Mentor Programme
Welcome to the SCS Mentor Programme
We are committed to supporting our members as they navigate the complex twists and turns of their careers. Our SCS Mentor Programme does just that.
This exciting 6 month initiative will pair emerging talents with seasoned industry experts to gain fresh perspectives, enhance their skills, and drive their professional journeys forward.
Whether you’re looking to accelerate your career growth or share your wealth of experience, our programme offers the perfect platform for professional development, knowledge exchange, and industry-wide excellence.
How it Works
1
Apply
To get started, simply apply to become a mentor or mentee by filling out a short questionnaire. Deadline 30 January 2026.
2
Match
We’ll leverage our psychometric partner to analyse applications and expertly pair individuals based on their goals and experience.
3
Meet
The programme kicks off with an exclusive event on 28th April 2026, setting the stage for this exciting journey.
4
Learn
To ensure everyone gets the most out of the experience, we are providing complimentary training for both mentors and mentees.
5
Mentor
Mentors and mentees will then meet monthly (at their own discretion) to discuss professional development, share insights, and work towards their career aspirations.
6
Wrap
We’ll finally wrap up the programme in November 2026.
Why Become a Mentee?
Navigating your career can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to do it alone. As a mentee on the SCS Mentor Programme you will gain invaluable support from the people who have truly been there. You’ll gain personalised guidance from seasoned industry experts, access insider knowledge, and receive practical advice tailored to your professional goals.
This programme not only helps you navigate the complexities of the industry but also expands your network, enhances your skills, and prepares you to become a future leader.
Who Can Become A Mentee?
Anyone wishing to progress their career who is willing to set goals and take action to achieve them!
Why Become a Mentor?
Why should a busy leader like you become a mentor?
Mentoring is an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of cosmetic science, give back and refine your own leadership skills.
By sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience, you’ll inspire and guide the next generation of professionals, fostering innovation and excellence in the field.
Plus, mentoring offers fresh perspectives and new ideas that can invigorate your own career and help develop your understanding of the realities of starting a career in our industry today.
What We Are Looking For in A Mentor
We are looking for anyone that has experience they are willing to share and a desire to support others to develop. We are looking for mentors how are able to give at least an hour a month of their time to invest in the process.
Feel free to contact us for more information or to apply to be a mentor or mentee. We look forward to welcoming you to this exciting initiative.
Email: office@scs.org.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
What are you looking for in a mentor?
Anyone that has experience they are willing to share and a desire to support others to develop. Those that can invest time in the process.
Do I need to have experience of mentoring to be considered as a mentor?
No, training will be provided.
What are you looking for in a mentee?
Anyone wishing to progress their career who is willing to set goals and take action to achieve them.
Do I have to be a member of SCS to be involved in the programme?
Yes, you do need to be a member.
Do you accept students onto the programme?
For 25/26 we are accepting a small number of final year students.
What if I feel my mentor or mentee isn’t the right fit?
We hope that all participants will feel they have been well matched however if you feel the match isn’t right for you, please contact secretariat@scs.org.uk and our external partner The Headspace Bureau will be in touch to agree next steps and how to progress your situation.
How much should I expect from my mentor?
Your mentor will attend each session with the aim of helping you set challenging but achievable goals, give practical advice and ask probing questions to help you determine how best to reach the milestones set out.
What if one half of the partnership isn’t pulling their weight?
We suggest each mentoring session ends with actionable plan with any mentor/mentee actions documented.
What if I or my mentee doesn’t have time?
Every mentor/mentee will be asked to confirm they have availability for 6 mentoring session throughout the 6 month programme along with time to implement any agreed actions. This is to ensure both the mentor and mentee can invest the appropriate time and gain maximum benefit from the programme. Should availability change during the programme and this can’t be resolved between the mentor/mentee, they should contact secretariat@scs.org.uk and our external partner The Headspace Bureau will be in touch to agree next steps and how to progress your situation.
Is there psychometric testing?
No.
How many mentors/mentees will be accepted onto the programme?
We’re looking for up to 30 mentor/mentee partnerships in our initial programme. We have placed a cap on this to ensure we have resource and support to maximise the impact of the programme.
What if I don’t get matched?
We’re aiming to match up to 30 mentors and mentees in our initial programme. This may not be possible if we receive more interest than available places or the skills and support areas for mentors and mentees cannot be matched. Should this happen, we’ll notify you and let you know why we have been unable to match you. We’d hope where this happens, we may keep your application on file for any future programmes we run.
When is the training?
May 2026 TBC.
Is the training in person?
No, the training will be delivered virtually via Zoom.
What if I can’t attend the training?
We hope that timings will suit all attendees however if you are unable to attend, we will provide course notes to support everyone’s learning.
Aside from the mentoring sessions, are there any other expectations?
Yes, our external partner, The Headspace Bureau will be in touch with mentors and mentees at months 1, 3 and 5 of the programme to check in on the benefits you are gaining from the programme, understand any obstacles and challenges and ensure that everyone is benefitting from their participation.
What happens to the relationship after the programme ends?
That’s up to you. After the initial 6 month programme ends, there will be no formal requirement for mentors/ mentees to continue to meet however we would be delighted if individuals made the decision to continue to invest in the relationship.
When will the close event be?
November TBC.
If I have any issues, challenges or queries about the programme, where do I go with these?
If you have any queries or challenges, please email secretariat@scs.org.uk and our external partner The Headspace Bureau will be in touch to agree next steps and how to progress your situation.