Targeted at mentees working in PR and comms, the six-month scheme will provide successful candidates with insight into the Hearst UK business alongside individual training and guidance, workshop sessions and potential attendance at events.

Hearst UK said the scheme is open to mentees from all backgrounds, and from entry-level up to those seeking to progress their careers up to Director level. Applications are particularly encouraged from those from under-represented backgrounds and those who are interested in the media, publishing and luxury industries but haven’t previously been able to access opportunities in these sectors.

The Hearst UK PR & Comms team – who will gain mentor training through the collaboration with Creative Access – will provide successful applicants with experience of communications activities, looking to help those who wish to further their careers by building relationships and achieving specific career goals.

Effie Kanyua, Director of PR & Communications at Hearst UK, said: “As a business, Hearst UK has committed to create a world that is fully diverse and inclusive through the content we produce and the work that we do. We recognise that the PR and comms industry is hugely under-represented particularly within publishing and luxury, with not enough diverse representation across these sectors."

She added: "Our team are extremely passionate about the prospect of working with those people who may not be getting the opportunities they deserve, or who think that these sectors aren’t open to them. We set the mentoring scheme as part of our team objectives last year to support Hearst UK’s commitment to Diversity and Belonging, so that we could create something which we hope will open up the industry to a more diverse range of talent."

Creative Access is a social enterprise, largely funded by employer partners who are committed to diversity and inclusion. Its profits go back into growing, training and supporting those from disadvantaged communities.

Josie Dobrin, Chief Executive of Creative Access, said: “We’ve been working with Hearst UK since 2013 and this latest initiative demonstrates their ongoing commitment to create a more inclusive workplace. There are many individuals who would love to enter the world of PR and Communications but have no idea where to start, and many more who are already working in the industry but would welcome support to help progress to more senior levels. This opportunity will allow them to get one on one support to help make their dreams a reality – and more importantly help the creative industries in time to better represent our society.”