Taylor Bennett Foundation and Chartered Institute of Public Relations

PR has a diversity problem at the top. While the industry talks about inclusion, one in five UK PR agencies still has zero non-white employees (PRWeek). Senior leadership teams remain predominantly white, middle-class, and disconnected from the challenges faced by ethnic minority PR professionals. The Taylor Bennett Foundation & CIPR BME Reverse Mentoring Programme does what no other initiative has managed—it places the responsibility for DEI change on those in power, giving them nowhere to hide. Where other initiatives focus on what ethnic minorities can do to succeed, this programme acknowledges that unless senior white leaders recognise the value of creating inclusive cultures and take action themselves, change will not happen fast or authentically enough.

Through 10 months of direct, honest conversations, CEOs, MDs, and senior PR leaders are mentored by ethnic minority PR professionals with real lived experience of exclusion. This isn’t a DEI marketing exercise—it’s a hard-hitting, transformational experience that fundamentally changes how senior leaders think, act, and lead. Budget - Staff costs for Taylor Bennett Foundation - The 2024 Programme was priced at £500 (paid by mentee organisations) to cover operational costs. External Support & People Involved • Surinder Sian – External Communications Lead, Harbour Energy (CIPR Diversity & Inclusion Network Vice-Chair) • Avril Lee – MD Health & Wellness Europe, Zeno (CIPR Diversity & Inclusion Network Chair) • Koray Camgoz – CEO, Taylor Bennett Foundation • Gabrielle Thuesday – Head of Programmes, Taylor Bennett Foundation