SEVEN public sector boards in Scotland are calling for aspiring board members to join their team as part of the UK Boardroom Apprentice programme.
The programme, which will see applications close on Monday, October 2, is searching for ordinary people who aspire to becoming a non-executive director on the board of a charity organisation, public sector or government departmental boards.
With 65 organisations confirmed overall to join UK Boardroom Apprentice 2024 seven boards across Scotland are calling for people to apply to the programme as part of next year’s programme.
Scottish organisations taking place in the programme include: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, Public Health Scotland, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), ScottishFuel Poverty Advisory Panel, and South of Scotland Enterprise.
Host Boards provide a safe seat at the table for aspiring board members to learn. The 12-month board learning, development and placement programme 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. 372 Boardroom Apprentices have embarked on their personal journey to serve on a public or third sector board since its inception in 2017.
Boardroom Apprentice founder Eileen Mullan said: “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 join a host board for a year to learn how they can bring fresh perspectives and diverse thinking to boardrooms across the UK.
“Over a twelve-month window, Boardroom Apprentices will get practical board experience, a suite of learning days and support to fully equip them to serve on a board in the public or third sector in the future.
Joining the programme for the first time is the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a leading botanic garden and global centre for biodiversity science, horticulture and education.
Joanne Hannah, Director of Resources and Planning, explained why they decided to get on board with the programme: “By becoming a Host Board, we will be able to expand our expertise, share our knowledge and learn new perspectives from the board members of the future.
“Our Boardroom Apprentice will be part of a Board that is inclusive, respectful and collaborative. They will have the opportunity to learn how to make a significant contribution to the strategic and cultural direction of our organisation.”
Open to those aged 18 or over from all backgrounds and all abilities, the programme 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.
Also new to the programme is Public Health Scotland, leading national public health body working to prevent disease, prolong healthy life, and promote health and wellbeing across the country.
Governance Lead of the organisation, Anna Robertson, said: “Our vision is for a Scotland where everybody thrives. We offer the opportunity for a Boardroom Apprentice to join us in our work to really make a difference in people’s lives, and improve life expectancy and reduce health inequalities.”
For more information on the UK Boardroom Apprentice and a full list of Host Boards go to boardroomapprentice.com/uk and to find out more about how to apply, go to boardroomapprentice.com/how-to-apply
