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Are you keen to develop leadership experience?

03 Oct 2023

Board Apprentices Opportunities with the Black United Representation Network (BURN)

Our University is committed to creating an environment where diversity is valued, and all have a sense of belonging. Whilst the representation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) staff is increasing across the University, representation is not reflected equitably at senior or board level.

One of our ambitions as set out in our EDI Strategy is to create an outstandingly inclusive place to work and study and that includes providing opportunities for personal development. For some colleagues, this may be boosted by gaining board room experience.

Our University is proud to be the first Patron Sponsor of BURN. BURN is a Black-led organisation with a vision to become a beacon for racial equity, inclusive innovation, and entrepreneurship. 

We are working in collaboration with BURN to offer colleagues the opportunity to further develop their leadership skills by gaining board experience (across sectors) and not necessarily in Higher Education and explore the networking opportunities that the programme offers. 

"The Board Apprentice initiative has been transformational for our apprentices. Every single professional who has been through the programme, has gone on to secure board positions, meaning greater diversity and inclusion at those decision-making tables and more importantly, creating opportunities for others to gain seats at these tables too. Whilst they have been the first to blaze this trail, the legacy that they are creating means that they will not be the last." - Lisa Maynard-Atem, Director, The Black United Representation Network CIC 

Programme overview:

  • The Board Apprentice Initiative is a 12-month programme for colleagues from underrepresented groups, wishing to gain senior or board level experience.
  • The word ‘Apprentice’ is used here to indicate that the person shadowing is not an official board member. The training offered on this programme does not lead to a formal apprenticeship qualification. A certificate will be issued which outlines the training attended. 
  • Remuneration is not offered but should the Board Apprentice be required to attend any in-person events/meetings, expenses will be covered. Should the Host Board decide at the end of the 12 months that they would like to offer their Board Apprentice, a role on their board, then remuneration would be discussed.
  • The time commitment is usually a minimum of once a month in terms of meeting attendance. 
  • The host boards will advise whether the meetings will be in-person on online (they are usually a mixture - hybrid). 
  • The apprentice and host board representative can discuss the process including board meeting attendance and what they would like to get out of the experience. 

How to apply:

If you would be interested in finding out more, please complete our short expression of interest form.

Deadline for applications: Friday, 27 October. If you have any questions, please email Tahira Majothi, EDI Partner: tahira.majothi@manchester.ac.uk.