Best women mentorship programmes in the UK (2027)
The best women mentoring programmes open to women in the UK for 2027: what each offers, who it is for, how long it runs and how to choose.
OneUpOneDown · 1 November 2026 · 5 min read
Looking for a women mentorship programme in the UK? There are more options than ever, but they differ a lot: some are free and run once a year, some are open all year round, and many are only for one industry. This guide brings together the best women mentoring programmes open to women in the UK for 2027, what each one offers, and how to choose.
How to choose a women mentorship programme
Before you apply, ask yourself these questions:
- Do you want a programme for your industry, or one that's open to everyone? Industry programmes give you mentors who know your sector. Open programmes give you a wider pool and fresh perspective.
- Do you need a mentor now? Many programmes run one intake a year. If you need support now, look for one that matches all year round.
- How much time can you give? Programmes range from three months to a full year.
- Do you want a senior mentor or a near-peer? A near-peer mentor, one or two steps ahead of you, gives advice that is recent and practical. A senior mentor gives a longer view.
- Is it free? Many programmes are free for participants. Others charge a membership fee for faster or guaranteed matching.
The best women mentorship programmes in the UK (2027)
1. OneUpOneDown: 1:1 mentoring for women, all year round
Best for: women in any industry who want a mentor now, and organisations that want to run their own programme.
OneUpOneDown is a London-based women mentorship community with more than 10,000 members across 160+ countries. It matches women one-to-one on a near-peer basis: your mentor is one or two steps ahead in the area you want to grow. Each match lasts three months with at least four meetings, and you can be rematched afterwards. Members rate their matches 4.5 out of 5 across 3,880 reviews.
- Format: online, 1:1, three-month matches, open all year
- Cost: free to join as a mentor; Premium membership guarantees a match within 14 days (see plans)
- Also runs: programmes for organisations such as the FIA Women in Motorsport mentorship programme
Disclosure: this is our own platform, so we've put it first. Judge it against the others below.
2. Women in Technology Mentoring Scheme
Best for: women in UK tech, from graduates to senior leaders.
Women in Technology runs a community-driven mentoring scheme that connects aspiring tech professionals with experienced industry leaders through its mentorship platform. Mentors specialise in areas such as software engineering, data science, product management and tech leadership, and you can join as a mentee or a mentor.
3. Women@Tech Mentoring Programme
Best for: women working in tech companies who want a cross-company network.
The Women@Tech mentoring programme started in 2023 and connects female talent across tech companies. Its programme runs for six months, with a yearly theme (2026's was "Building your career with intention"). Applications open once a year, so check the site for the next intake.
4. NBCC Shine Forward Mentoring Programme
Best for: women in British-Dutch business and cross-company leadership development.
The Netherlands British Chamber of Commerce runs the Shine Forward Mentoring Programme for women at every career stage. It combines personalised mentorship from experienced leaders with cross-company networking and leadership development in confidence, communication and negotiation.
5. Construction For Women Mentorship Programme
Best for: women entering or starting out in construction and the built environment.
The Construction For Women mentorship programme is free and gives women a mentor for a full year, plus a dedicated support group. Mentors come from trades, project management, engineering and design.
6. Rise AV Mentoring Programme
Best for: women in commercial AV, live events and production technology.
The Rise AV Mentoring Programme is a free, six-month programme for women at every career stage in AV. It is built on three pillars: skills, mentoring and community. Registrations of interest are open for 2027.
7. RCP Emerging Women Leaders Programme
Best for: women doctors moving into medical leadership.
The Royal College of Physicians' Emerging Women Leaders Programme addresses the under-representation of women in medical leadership. It includes mentorship from experienced clinical leaders, networking with women leaders in the NHS, and leadership skills training.
8. POWERful Women: POWERful Connections
Best for: mid-career and senior women in the UK energy sector.
POWERful Women, a professional initiative hosted by the Energy Institute, runs POWERful Connections, a free mentoring programme for women working in energy at middle management or leadership level. Mentors are senior energy professionals, ideally at director level or above, who commit a few hours over six to nine months to support one or more mentees.
9. Mentors for Women
Best for: women who want a paid mentoring subscription outside their industry.
Mentors for Women is a subscription-based mentoring service aimed at women but open to all. It isn't tied to one sector, and its mentors come from a wide range of careers and businesses.
Women mentorship programmes at a glance
| Programme | Industry | Length | Intake |
|---|---|---|---|
| OneUpOneDown | Any | 3-month matches, then rematch | All year |
| Women in Technology Mentoring Scheme | Tech | Ongoing platform | All year |
| Women@Tech | Tech | 6 months | Yearly |
| NBCC Shine Forward | Cross-industry (British-Dutch business) | Structured programme | See site |
| Construction For Women | Construction | 12 months | See site |
| Rise AV | AV and live events | 6 months | Yearly |
| RCP Emerging Women Leaders | Medicine | Programme | See site |
| POWERful Connections | Energy | 6–9 months | See site |
| Mentors for Women | Any | Subscription | All year |
Running a programme for your own organisation?
If you're an employer, association or community, you don't have to send your people elsewhere. In March 2026 the UK government's Office for Equality and Opportunity published guidance encouraging employers to offer mentoring and sponsorship programmes. OneUpOneDown's women mentorship platform lets you run your own programme, live in 24 hours, with matching, onboarding and follow-up handled for you. See our case studies.
FAQ
Are women mentorship programmes in the UK free?
Many are. Construction For Women, Rise AV and POWERful Connections are free for participants. Others, such as Mentors for Women, are paid subscriptions, and OneUpOneDown is free for mentors with an optional Premium membership.
How long does a mentoring programme last?
Usually between three and twelve months. OneUpOneDown matches last three months, Women@Tech and Rise AV run for six months, and Construction For Women runs for a full year.
What's the difference between mentoring and coaching?
A mentor shares her own experience from having been where you are. A coach is a trained professional who helps you find your own answers to a specific goal. Read more in our guide to women mentoring and mentorship.