EAST x BBC Writers

Mentorship Scheme 2026

EAST has partnered with BBC Writers to deliver our mentorship programme. This support has allowed us to create a programme with some fantastic mentors, who will help to accelerate the careers of our selected mentees. Our first cohort focused on Writers, and the 2026 programme will focus on people working in development.

BBC Writers is part of BBC TV Drama Commissioning. A cross-genre department for scripted content, it also works with CBBC, CBeebies, radio, online and others to develop new and experienced off-screen talent. It has bases in London, Salford, Glasgow, Cardiff and Belfast. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/writers

  • Applications for 2026 are now closed.

  • Following selection of the mentees, we discuss with them in depth about what they want to achieve through the process before helping them to find a suitable mentor.

  • Mentors and Mentees meet around 4 times over a 6 month period. At the end of each session, mentees agree an action plan with their mentor.

  • BBC Writers are helping EAST support both the mentors and mentees through this process, as well as offering our mentees access to some of their events and opportunities.

Mentoring is where a Mentor:

Mentoring is where the Mentee:

Mentoring is not:

  • Helps the mentee to focus on a specific goal or challenge or career development

  • Encourages the mentee to identify possible ways forwards

  • Shares ideas, stories, examples, expertise, or contacts from their network etc.

  • Helps the mentee identify an action or a way forwards to take steps to reach their goal or solve their challenge, develop their career

  • Encourages, supports, challenges, champions

  • Arranges the meetings

  • Prepares for the meetings by doing any actions from the previous meeting and identifies the focus or topic for the next meeting

  • Wants to develop and learn from the mentor

  • Is willing to generate ideas, be challenged and receive feedback

  • Where the mentor: tells the mentee what to do; wants someone to do work for free; focuses the conversations on their own story

  • Where the mentee expects the mentor to give them a job.