What we do

Pathways to Trusteeship

The Pathways to Trusteeship programme was a pilot initiative delivered in 2024 designed to train and empower young people from the ages of 18-30, to form the next generation of young Black and Asian trustees.

The pilot saw 9 young aspiring Black and Asian trustees shadow experienced trustees. The programme included 121 conversations, shadowing trustee meetings and training and development for aspiring trustees. Mentees gained further confidence to apply for roles, and it helped to demystify the position. For mentors, they learnt a lot about hidden barriers for new aspiring trustees to enter governance roles, and it’s led to changes within their organisation. 2 out of 9 of our Pathways to Trusteeship participants secured trusteeships, and one organisation has rolled out the programme to its own volunteer network.

We will share more information soon on how you can apply for this programme.

Action Not Words

In partnership with Eastside People, we deliver an annual mentoring programme for aspiring Black and Asian trustees.

We partner aspiring trustees (mentees) with experienced trustees (mentors) to understand how they can step into a trustee role and bring their voice to the boardroom. The programme runs for six months and includes up to six one-hour sessions with their mentor. Topics in each session will vary and are based on the mentoring discussions but could include guidance on the role of a trustee, CV review and/or interview coaching for trustee roles, the transition into a first trustee role, and mentoring around solving real-time challenges for trustees.

Of the second cohort, all respondents felt their objectives had been at least partly met during the programme, with 50% saying their objectives had been fully met or exceeded within the programme.

Hear from one of our mentees about the benefits of the programme:

“I just wanted to let you all know that I’ve accepted my first board role… and I’m excited for the experience ahead. Many thanks to Malcolm for your amazing support and opportunity to engage with governance theoretically and practically via ATRD and now Board Racial Diversity…to the ANW Programme, and to my mentor who was amazing in providing both encouragement as well as the concrete tools that have helped me reach this point.”

To sign up to the 2027 cohort, check back later in the year for more details.

What we do​

Pathways to Trusteeship