Bloom, the professional network for women in communications, has confirmed that its Exchange programme will re-open for a fourth year.

The organisation has been working to tackle gender equality in the communications industry since its inception 12 years ago. The Exchange was set up with the objective of engaging more men in the gender debate. Since it was first piloted in 2019, it has paired up more than 300 senior men and women industry leaders for mutual mentoring.

Applicants are paired with a female Bloom member through a careful matching process, and given industry-leading training before the pairs embark on a six month co-mentoring programme, meeting monthly to engage in frank and honest conversations on the issues that matter and will drive change.

Based on last years results, there has been an increase of 493 percent in mens clarity on which actions will positively impact the gender divide in the workplace and a 257 percent increase in womens clarity.

Aeron Corrigan, Head of The Exchange at Bloom UK, said: “One of Bloom’s core values is spearheading industry change. The Exchange was launched to do exactly that; we knew there was a gender communications gap, and sought to address it with our co-mentoring programme that encourages radically candid conversations to help all genders better understand the issues they face in the workplace.

“The six month programme is proven to bridge divides and spark action. We’re excited to be running the programme again in 2022 to further its impact. It’s clear that the only way to create true change is for men and women to do it together.”