Why Women in Planning launched a Mentoring Scheme

Traditionally, women do not benefit from the same social networks as men in the workplace, in part, due to masculine cultures. The RTPI report demonstrated that there is some evidence of masculine cultures in the planning workplace. The Mentoring Scheme provides the opportunity for what entrepreneur and business leader Liz Elting calls “close-knit professional network” with those who have already forged ahead in their careers.

Mentors can also act as role models and research has found that this can support women in widening their career ambitions, either up the career ladder or to have what Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis call a “squiggly career”.