A speed “mentor matching” event in London launched the response to the first recommendation from the JLC’s Commission into Women in Jewish Leadership.

Organised by Lead, it brought mentors and mentees together in a speed-dating format. Participants are involved in a wide range of communal groups.

Commission member and Jewish Care vice-chair Debbie Fox said: “There was a tremendous energy in the room and a real sense that a leap has been taken.”

CWJL chair Laura Marks said it was “a creative and inclusive way to launch the programme. We know that mentoring is a key tool in helping women up the ladder and I am delighted that the team at Lead have taken this forward. The list of mentors and mentees showed the range of talented women we have in our community.”

Mentors and mentees will work together for six months with Lead offering additional meetings, resources and support. Lead will also give men the opportunity to find a mentor within the community to further their leadership skills.