Eight learners have been recognised for successfully completing a pioneering LGBTQ+ mentoring programme at a special celebration event hosted at Hertsmere Borough Council’s Civic Offices.
Certificates were presented by the Mayor of Hertsmere, Councillor Parveen Rani, during the event, which marked the completion of the first LGBTQ+ Mentoring Skills course delivered by Impactful Governance.
The unique programme was designed by LGBTQ+ people, for LGBTQ+ people, and aims to equip participants with the skills, knowledge and confidence to support others across Hertfordshire’s LGBTQ+ community.
Delivered between January and June 2026, the course covered topics including the role of a mentor, preparing for mentoring relationships and demonstrating effective mentoring skills. Learners will receive their nationally recognised NCFE Level 1 qualifications later this summer.
The programme was made possible through support from the Community Lottery Fund and Hertsmere Borough Council, which provided training and event space at the Civic Offices throughout the programme.
Mayor of Hertsmere, Councillor Parveen Rani, said:
“It was a pleasure to meet the learners and celebrate their achievements. This programme has provided participants with valuable skills that will enable them to support others within the community while also gaining a nationally recognised qualification. Congratulations to everyone who completed the course.”
Councillor Jeremy Newmark, Leader, Hertsmere Borough Council, said:
“We are proud to have supported this pioneering programme. It is impacting positively within Hertfordshire’s LGBTQ+ community. By helping people develop the confidence and skills to support others, it creates future mentors who will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Congratulations to the graduates and thanks to Impactful Governance for this splendid initiative.”
Impactful Governance, a Hertfordshire-based LGBTQ+ led not-for-profit organisation, developed the programme in response to evidence highlighting the importance of accessible peer support and mentoring opportunities within LGBTQ+ communities.
Andrew Waite, of Impactful Governance, said:
“We are incredibly proud of this first cohort of learners. They have shown dedication, commitment and a genuine desire to make a positive difference to the lives of other LGBTQ+ people. Several learners achieved their first formal qualification, which makes this achievement even more special.”
Impactful Governance also undertakes annual research to better understand the needs of LGBTQ+ communities across Hertfordshire and established the independent charity Impactful Lives in 2023 to provide additional support services, including suicide prevention, dementia support and hate crime reporting.
Following the success of the inaugural programme, recruitment is already underway for the 2027 LGBTQ+ Mentoring Skills course, which will once again offer Hertfordshire residents the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification while developing skills to support others in their community.
Anyone interested in joining the 2027 programme can register their interest online at: