As the UK accelerates towards net zero by 2050 and securing its cleaner energy future, batteries will play an essential in enabling decarbonisation across transport, energy storage, and manufacturing. The Government’s 2030 vision is for the UK to have a globally competitive battery supply chain that supports economic prosperity and the net zero transition. A thriving, innovative, and collaborative battery ecosystem is pivotal to realising this vision.  

To help strengthen this ecosystem, we are launching a fully funded Mentoring Programme for Women in Batteries, designed to build connections across the battery supply chain—from materials and cell manufacturing to integration, end-of-life, and recycling. This initiative aims to support women and allies at all career stages by fostering professional development, boosting confidence, and creating meaningful, lasting networks within this rapidly evolving sector. 

This programme is part of a wider effort to ensure that the UK battery innovation landscape is inclusive, connected, and equipped with the diverse leadership and talent needed to drive long-term success. 

We are seeking to recruit both mentors and mentees from across the battery value chain, within UK industry. We welcome mentees who are females working in batteries, and mentors who are any gender working in batteries.The programme has two key strands: Mentor Training and Structured Mentoring Sessions. 

Strand 1: Mentor Training: 

A key aspect of this programme is ensuring mentors are supported and empowered to enable them to maximise their mentoring impact. The training is aimed at building confidence and a toolkit for new mentors whilst also providing those with previous mentor experience a fresh perspective and additional strategies. 

The training will focus on: 

• Guidance and support strategies: Providing frameworks for effective mentoring, including goal setting, feedback delivery, and problem-solving. 

• Adaptive mentoring and coaching tools: Enhancing the mentor’s ability to understand and respond to the mentee’s needs. 

• Continuous development: Mentors will be given resources and access to a support network to further their own professional development during and after the programme. 

Strand 2: Structured Mentoring Sessions: 

Participants will be carefully matched based on alignment of goals and expectations, ensuring a productive and supportive mentoring relationship. 

Eligibility:  

• Both mentors and mentees must work in the UK battery sector e.g. materials/manufacturing, cells, packs, modules, battery integration, recycling/end-of-life, end-user (automotive or non-automotive)  

• Mentors can be any gender who have a desire to give back and support the next generation of leaders. 

• Mentees must be individuals who identify as women or non-binary who are eager to advance in their careers and gain insight into leadership and innovation within their sector.  

We welcome applicants from underrepresented groups, at all stages of their careers, seeking leadership and career development opportunities.

Previous experience of mentoring is not required. 

Key details:

As this is a funded programme, there is a requirement to fully commit to the programme. The time commitment is around 2 hours a month for each mentoring relationship from Sept 2025 to March 2026, with an additional time of around 6 – 8 hours for mentor training up front for mentors which can be done flexibly spread over July – September 2025. All training will be delivered virtually, and mentoring sessions are also expected to be delivered virtually, unless matched pairs are able and choose to arrange in-person meetings.

Key dates: 

• Application deadline: 23:59 on 23 June 2025 

• Mentors will be notified of outcome by end June 2025 

• Mentor Training will start mid-July 2025 

• Mentoring Meetings will run Sept 2025 – March 2026 

• Programme completes end March 2026