Diversity on boards is vital and there is still much to be done. That’s why Success on the Board, a development programme for researchers from underrepresented groups, plays such a powerful role in moving the dial on this mission critical work.
The Success on the Board programme, funded by Wellcome and run by Advance HE, plays an important part in addressing inequities and equipping people to overcome challenges to become impactful board members.
In 2024, it is difficult to understand, and impossible to accept, why there are still so many barriers facing people from underrepresented groups.
Diverse boards lead to better outcomes. Going beyond representation and fostering a collaborative and reflective culture is imperative, where every voice is heard, valued and impactful in the boardroom. Culture and tone are set by the board, which then flows organisationally from their leadership. Trustees are jointly and severally responsible for the organisation, so an inclusive collegiate environment is extremely important.
My journey
It was August 2021 when I received the news that I’d been accepted to participate in Success on the Board. It was a new programme and I was part of the first cohort. I was working at The Alan Turing Institute. I had never been a Trustee before, my day roles had been predominantly operational, with basic knowledge of governance at that time.
Fast forward to May 2024, I now hold a Certificate in Corporate Governance with distinction. I’m a proud Trustee of Butterfly Conservation, a Governor at Grove Road School in West London, and a member of the Strategy and People committee for the National Association for Special Educational Needs.
Success on the Board transformed my career.
I now work at Wellcome as Project Officer within the Data for Science and Health team and I’m Deputy Chair of the Wellcome Exchange committee. I’m grateful for the growing network of dynamic and knowledgeable colleagues at Wellcome, the Success on the Board team, The Alan Turing Institute, and within the boards and committees that I’m a member of.
Why is Success on the Board so impactful?
Over a 12-month period, the development programme provides the opportunity to connect and learn alongside a passionate cohort of colleagues. The facilitators share insights into topics including board dynamics, strategy, finance, brand and governance. A range of guest speakers from underrepresented groups are invited, who have navigated challenges and overcome barriers to become successful board members. This galvanises participants to connect, collaborate and aim high.
Working with a coach and observing external board meetings is also a key component, allowing participants to observe best practice. This creates opportunities to gain valuable insights about boards, governance and impactful ways to contribute to strategic discussion and decision-making.
People need opportunities to step into strategic spaces to flex and start to develop their strategic thinking. I would encourage everyone reading this to become confident in your ability to stretch and learn in order to step into these spaces and develop strong strategic thinking.
Intersectionality
Various intersections of my identity reflect underrepresented groups. I’m passionate about equity, diversity and inclusion as I have faced many barriers in my career to date. From my lived experience of disability more broadly, I have noticed that barriers can be wide-ranging, and some include accessibility and digital inclusion through to social and attitudinal barriers. These are often not spoken about enough and so it is important to raise awareness, discuss and address professionally and courageously.
I have been fortunate to join very supportive and inclusive boards where diversity is at their heart. I have already had the opportunity to shape the direction of travel, contributed to strategic discussions and decisions, provided effective support and challenge, joined a governance committee, and participated in a panel recruiting new trustees.
The future
I would like to extend my thanks to everyone involved with Success on the Board. I will always be grateful to you and will continue to champion this fantastic programme with all my support and solidarity.
My congratulations to everyone completing the third cohort of Success on the Board. I wish you every success and hope our paths cross in the future. As a collective, we need to come together and act.
Catrin Evans is Project Officer within the Data for Science and Health team at Wellcome and Deputy Chair of the Wellcome Exchange committee. She is also a Trustee of Butterfly Conservation, a Governor at Grove Road School in West London and a member of the Strategy and People committee for the National Association for Special Educational Needs.