UK 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.
To reflect all communities across the UK, boardrooms need diverse people to share their skills and lived experience. The programme is open to people of all ages, from 16+, and all backgrounds and abilities. Applications from LQBTQ, ETHNIC MINORITIES, DISABLED PEOPLE and other underrepresented communities are particularly welcome.
Being a Boardroom Apprentice requires a significant personal commitment, most of which will be during the working day, along with some evenings and weekends. If you are employed, you will need your employer’s full support to do Boardroom Apprentice.
To be eligible for the programme, applicants must not have held a board position on a public-sector body or have gained experience on private, voluntary, community or social enterprise boards.
David Johnston, Boardroom Apprentice at the Community Relations Council, says, “I applied to be part of the Boardroom Apprentice programme because I didn’t see too many people like me (black or disabled) sitting on boards, and I wanted to do my bit to help change that.
Being part of the Boardroom Apprentice programme has been a privilege. For me it has reinforced the importance of being motivated and committed to enhancing public service delivery. I’ve gained a better understanding of the Nolan principles of public life, which helps guide my thinking and decision-making.
Diversity is in the DNA of the Boardroom Apprentice programme, so apply and be the change that you want to see.”
Since its inception in 2017, the scheme has seen 277 individuals across Northern Ireland embark on their Boardroom Apprentice journey.
Eileen Mullan, Boardroom Apprentice Founder, adds, “Boardroom Apprentice was created to deliver diversity, create change, and realise aspirations. Our vision is simple – to bridge the gap between aspiration and reality. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to be matched to a host board for a year to learn how they can bring fresh perspectives and diverse thinking to boardrooms across the UK.
“I would encourage anyone in the UK who is eligible and aspires to serve on a board in the public or third sector to apply. In particular, I would ask people from ethnic minority groups, who may be interested, to take this opportunity to bring their voices to boardrooms across the UK.”
Sue Gray, from the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities, comments, “It is a pleasure to support the UK Boardroom Apprentice programme.
“This fab initiative will enable a wider diversity of individuals to play their part within boardrooms across the UK, bringing new insights and an important breadth of perspectives. It will also allow people who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to join a board, to do so and ultimately, make a difference to public life.
“We would invite anyone in the UK who may be eligible, to apply for this fantastic opportunity.”