A new senior mentoring scheme to promote diversity amongst senior commissioning, programme-making, on-screen and management roles was launched this week with support from across the television industry.

A twelve-month scheme by the Cultural Diversity Network (CDN) – an industry coalition of broadcasters and programme-makers which includes Sky, BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Five, ITN, Skillset, Bafta and PACT.

CDN has come under much criticism over the last few years for doing little to promote further ethnic and cultural diversity at upper management within the broadcasting industry.

Under the new scheme, a total of twenty places will be available for talented people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds who have already worked in broadcasting for three years in any area of programme-making or broadcasting.

Due to start in September 2008, it will involve one-to-one matching between mentors and mentees. The volunteer mentors will be senior members of the industry from member organisations of the CDN.

Closing date for applications is at the end of the month. Applications can be downloaded from here.