Board trainee

Pathway to Board 2026

It’s Time to Take Your Seat at the Table.

Boards make decisions that shape communities, services and futures.

Yet too often, those boards don’t reflect the diversity of the people they serve.

Pathway to Board exists to change that.

We are inviting skilled Black, Asian and ethnically diverse professionals across Wales to step forward, strengthen their governance skills and confidently move into board-level leadership.

This is not just a development programme. It’s a movement to reshape leadership in Wales.

Because talent already exists in our communities.

Because lived experience matters in decision-making.

Because representation at board level isn’t a “nice to have” — it’s essential.

And because when leadership is more diverse, decisions are stronger.

This programme delivers.

• 49 professionals have completed the programme
• 23 secured board positions after taking part
• Over 55.5% of alumni are now serving on boards
• £ of social value created
• For every £1 invested, £3.40 of social value is generated

Participants leave with greater confidence, sharper strategic insight and the belief that they belong in governance spaces.

And they do.

Over 9 months, you will:

• ✨ Receive focused governance and board training
• ✨ Be matched with an experienced mentor
• ✨ Shadow a live board for 6 months
• ✨ Strengthen your strategic thinking and influence
• ✨ Build powerful networks across Wales

You won’t just learn about governance. You’ll see it in action.

This programme is for you if:

• You are a Black, Asian or ethnically diverse professional based in Wales
• You bring expertise in areas like finance, HR, law, housing, policy, health, business, strategy or community leadership
• You’re ready to move from operational leadership to strategic oversight
• You want your experience and perspective to shape decisions at the highest level

You do not need previous board experience.

You need commitment. Curiosity. And the ambition to step forward.

As a participant, you will:

• Fully engage in training and mentorship
• Actively participate in board shadowing
• Reflect on your leadership strengths and growth areas
• Prepare confidently for future board opportunities
• Champion inclusive leadership wherever you serve
• This totals a commitment of 5 hours a month and 7.5 when you have a board meeting

It’s about strengthening governance across Wales.

It’s about changing who sits at the decision-making table.

It’s about ensuring leadership reflects the communities it serves.

If you’ve ever thought,

“I could contribute at board level — but I’m not sure how to get there,”

This is your pathway.

📅 Applications close:
15 March 2026

📅 Programme begins:
May 2026

Take your seat.

Shape the future.