To launch the opening of applications to ‘Success on the board: unlocking the power of underrepresented voices in research’ programme, Dr Catrin Evans, a participant from this year’s programme, reflects on her experience.
Participating in Success on the Board is rewarding and challenging. There are many opportunities to learn about what it takes to be a successful Board member. The programme introduces a range of topics and areas for learning including Governance, Board structures and roles, strategy, and brand. It guides you through what is required and provides practical opportunities to observe a Board meeting. Moreover, it is extremely valuable to learn from the insight and experience of a range of guest speakers who have developed distinguished careers as Trustees and Board members. Hearing about the challenges that others have experienced and overcome in their successful careers is inspiring.
Success on the Board programme has proved to be a professional turning point. In reflecting back, I am incredibly proud that I decided to click the submit button and especially grateful to those who further supported my vision to apply. It is a privilege to be a part of the first cohort. I have worked hard and there has been a great deal to learn with new information to assimilate. I’m excited about the future, especially as I move towards the next stage of preparing to apply for Board roles.
Various intersections of my identity reflect underrepresented groups and I’m passionate about equality, diversity, and inclusion. There have been many barriers to overcome in my professional journey thus far. Participating in Success on the Board has given me confidence to aim even higher and set myself ambitious goals in my career and work more broadly throughout each stage of the programme. I would strongly encourage you to take the next step, let your voice be heard, grasp this opportunity, step out of your comfort zone, and submit your application form. Wishing you every success and all the very best.
Success on the Board is a fully-funded development programme targeted at those in research that belong to groups currently underrepresented on higher education (HE) and research boards and governing bodies.
The programme aims to support participants to explore the membership of committees and boards of research institutions, universities, and other organisations relevant to the sector, such as charities, hospitals, funders and research organisations.
There will be a further ten places available this year, to begin the year-long scheme in September 2022. More information about the programme, including how to apply, can be found here.
This blog is kindly repurposed from AdvanceHE and you can read the original here: Becoming a successful Board member