Success on the Board is a development programme open to researchers and professional research services staff from underrepresented groups in UK universities and research institutes, who are interested in exploring joining a board.
After the successful running of two cohorts of the pilot programme, Wellcome is funding a further three cohorts of 'Success on the board' from September 2023 to October 2026.
This fully-funded development programme is designed exclusively for those in research that belong to groups currently underrepresented on higher education (HE) and research boards and governing bodies.
Analysis of the diversity of UK university and research institute governing body membership, as well as data on governance from the Higher Education Statistics Agency, indicates that there is an underrepresentation of certain minoritised groups, compared with the sector and society at large.
Wellcome has put diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of its new strategy and will work with the research sector on change. Advance HE's experience and ongoing strategic commitments to support inclusive governance and leadership mean we are well placed to deliver the programme. With increased gender, ethnicity and disability representation on UK HE and research boards, the diversity amongst key decision makers will be improved. Such changes in leadership will be essential to help build a better research culture – one that is creative, inclusive and honest.
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.
Programme dates for cohort 2025/26
- Introductory webinar: 22 October 2025
- 4 half-day virtual workshops: 12, 13, 25 & 27 November 2025
- 4 bi-monthly touchpoint webinars: 9 December 2025; 27 February 2026; 21 April 2026, 2 June 2026
- In-person concluding event in London: October 2026 (TBC)
An introduction to the programme from the Chair of Wellcome, Julia Gillard
We spoke with the Chair of Wellcome and Former Prime Minister of Australia about her experiences.
The programme
‘Success on the board’ is a comprehensive development programme running over 12 months. The programme aims to equip participants with skills and guidance on how to access opportunities to join a board. Programme participants will be UK-based researchers from any discipline or research professional service staff that belong to one or more of the following under-represented groups in governance roles in higher education sector:
- Women
- Trans people
- Ethnic minorities
- Disabled people (including those with long term health conditions)
The programme includes:
- virtual workshops
- 1-2-1 coaching
- external Board shadowing
- reflective learning
- bi-monthly webinars
- an in-person concluding event and networking opportunity
- an online community across a year-long programme
- an online community for programme alumni
- alumni engagement activities
Participants are required to commit to a total of three full days of scheduled activity and to commit to an additional four days in total over the course of the year to engage fully in the suite of activities and the community.
To ensure participants can get the most out of the programme, each applicant will need to find an institutional champion who will submit a supporting application. We will not be able to accept applications without the necessary institutional support. Advance HE can provide advice to help applicants find an institutional champion.
'Success on the Board: ‘the more you invest into the programme, the more you gain’
Dr Mona Ashok, Associate Professor of Digital Transformation at Henley Business School, University of Reading, shares her advice on how to get the most out of the Success on the Board programme.
Dr Shewly Choudhury discusses her experiences of joining a board
We spoke with Dr Shewly Choudhury, Trustee at the MS Society, to discuss her experiences of joining a board, and her top tips for those thinking about applying for the programme.
‘Success on the Board transformed my career’
Catrin Evans participated in the first cohort of Success on the Board. Hear from her about her experience as a participant in the programme and how it has helped her progress in her career; in both achieving a voluntary Governor position and her job role.
Information for individuals
Joining a committee or board can be a hugely enriching experience. It can provide you with the opportunity to shape organisations and causes you care about, develop existing skills, and learn new ones. Researchers and professional services staff bring highly sought skills and expertise which can strengthen the decision-making capacity of a board. More effective oversight and decision making is best achieved when there is a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and skills around the table. For boards and committees to thrive, organisations need your talent, expertise and viewpoints.
As part of the application process, applicants will be asked to consider what relevant transferable experience they have and what they hope to get out of the programme.
Success on the Board: ‘one of the most rewarding parts of my job’
Simon Meacher, Head of the Executive and Governance Office at Newcastle University, shares his experience of effective governance and one of the most rewarding parts of his role - being an institutional champion for one Success on the Board participant.
Information for institutional champions
Developing diverse talent is important, and it is recognised that sustainable change in behaviour and practice requires increased inclusion at a structural level, particularly in governance structures.
For individuals to be successful we need to remove barriers previously hindering progress which cannot be done by a development programme in isolation. Advance HE and Wellcome are therefore requiring each participant is supported by an institutional champion.
Institutional champions will need to provide successful applicants with:
- the time to attend and fully participate in the programme
- the opportunity to shadow a board at their institution
- a mentor (from within the institution) who can support their development
As part of the application process, institutional champions will also be required to answer a question on how they are going to make an active commitment to improve board diversity and inclusion at their institution. Both the institutional champion and mentor will need to commit to meeting with Advance HE at least twice to set intentions and discuss progress.
Advance HE will be able to support applicants in finding someone in their institution who could act as the institutional champion. More information on this can be found on the frequently asked questions page (question 12).
About Wellcome
Wellcome supports science to solve the urgent health challenges facing everyone. We support discovery research into life, health and wellbeing, and we’re taking on three worldwide health challenges: mental health, global heating and infectious diseases.
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Thank you for registering your interest for the 2025/26 cohort for Success on the board. We will contact you with updates.