By Hannah McCormack
Izzy Grigg has always been interested in being on a board. But she believed it was something that should be kept for later in her career or something that needed a lot of experience.
Taking part in the UK Boardroom Apprentice programme changed that perspective.
The 32 year old, originally from Harpenden and now living in London, also revealed she felt she lacked the confidence to apply for a board.
“For a variety of reasons I have always doubted my abilities and lacked confidence” explained Izzy.
However, her time on the UK Boardroom Apprentice programme helped her realise those reasons shouldn’t have to hold her back.
She added: “This experience has helped me to realise that stepping outside of my comfort zone is a great way to build confidence and undertake roles that I may not have felt I was capable of previously.”
Established by Eileen Mullan in 2017 Boardroom Apprentice is a unique board learning, development and placement programme which enables those who would like to serve on a public or third sector board to learn and gain the experience that they need to take that step.
It seeks to enable a wider diversity of individuals to play their part within boardrooms, allowing those without board experience to enhance their knowledge and understanding through in-depth learning and support.
Since its inception in 2017, the programme has seen 372 Boardroom Apprentices embark on their personal journey to serve on a public or third sector board.
Izzy explained: “This programme made me feel as though I could learn about how to do it in a safe environment and build my confidence so that I felt ready to be able to take that step.”
During her time on the programme, Izzy was placed with the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation (EDC) board, based in Ebbsfleet. While there she attended board meetings and an Away Day in February. She will also be attending the RemCom meeting, an ARAC meeting and a planning committee meeting as part of her involvement in the EDC.
She elaborated on her experiences: “It’s a significant development project with a large number of stakeholders, and EDC are central to bringing forward the developments and work needed to support the new and existing communities who are moving into the area. It’s been incredibly interesting to see how they do that, the challenges that they’re facing and the sort of questions they’re discussing as a board.
“They oversee a number of different projects that are all ongoing at the same time, so trying to get your head around all of these along with the scale of development that they’re working on was definitely a challenge, but also incredibly rewarding.”
Boardroom Apprentice also prides itself on the support system for those taking part in the programme, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and comfortable in their new role.
“The learning days have been great. Learning all the different techniques and tips from all the experts on communication and finance has been very helpful. Then on the board, learning about how to ask those questions and pick up on things in the board papers and take the step to challenging or questioning why they might be as they are, for me has been a massive learning curve.
“I think often I’d have had those questions in my head but I wouldn’t have felt confident to say it. It’s given me the chance to step out of my comfort zone and ask.”
For those thinking of applying to the programme, Izzy said this: “It’s a great learning opportunity, where you will meet new people and be exposed to different ideas. It’s an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
“So definitely do it. Don’t think twice. I nearly didn’t apply, I waited until the last day to do the application because I kept doubting myself but I’m so glad I’ve done it, it’s been really worthwhile and you won’t regret it.”
Applications for the programme are open to people of all ages, from 18+, and all backgrounds and abilities.