Board Apprentice Flyer

Board Apprentice widens the pool of board-ready candidates, giving boards worldwide the opportunity to increase diversity – of ethnicity, gender, culture, age, disability and skillset.

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Board Apprentice Ltd. (‘BAL’) is a non-profit company that offers an immediate solution to the lack of diversity in boardrooms by mentoring rising stars and developing future board members.

BAL aligns the future generation of leaders with the existing generation of leaders by widening the pool of board-ready candidates and, therefore, the perspectives and skillsets available to established boards. For example, chairs of different boards have acknowledged that they lack insight into technological developments and thus Boards with blind recognize the need for generational diversity. spots are boards with potential issues.

As shareholders, we expect to see these blind spots Why diversity? addressed and Diversifying the boardroom has been proven to boards strengthened improve innovation, competitive strength and through diversity. strategic planning by reducing or eliminating blind Board Apprentice spots. Participating in the BAL programme will lead will help to widen the to a practical solution for the paucity of diversifying, pool of talent and is board-ready candidates and also help companies to be welcomed and to nurture in-house talent. The ultimate reward for supported. embracing diversity is the positive impact on the bottom line.

Colin Melvin Hermes EOS

Diversity beyond gender BAL looks at diversity beyond gender: it encompasses ethnicity, culture, age, disability, personality and skill set.

The change in perspective that this provides helps companies to appeal to an ever-evolving consumer base and to stay on top of change.

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Benefits for boards who take on apprentices By joining the programme, boards can help solve the diversity challenge.

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Participation can be classed as a “Positive Action”, fulfill part of CSR requirement and be added to the diversity statement; There is no cost to the board. All expenses are borne by the Apprentice;

Diversifying: •

elps companies to be more adaptable and align with shareholders and H other stakeholders; Facilitates succession planning by increasing the pool of board-ready candidates and building the diversity pipeline;

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Strengthens a corporate culture of inclusion ahead of formal new appointments;

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Improves reputation;

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Benefits for sponsoring companies

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Leads to improved, informed decision-making through healthy debate.

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Sponsoring companies can get involved in a number of ways.

Put forward candidates for apprenticeship giving them access to a free boardroom education;

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Spread the word about the BAL concept;

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Offer pro-bono services; Offer financial support and in doing so, fulfill part of the company’s CSR requirement and add the programme to the diversity statement.

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BAL is supported by the boards and CEOs of several blue chip companies and national charities and is run by senior professionals with years of board experience.

Current sponsors

Interested?

Please contact us

Visit our website

info@boardapprentice.com

boardapprentice.com

FAQs What is the role of the Apprentice?

An Apprentice placement will be for one year and the role is to observe and learn from the board and the work they do.

What experience will candidates have?

All candidates put forward will have the necessary insights into corporate governance and the operation of a board. They are typically senior executives. All they lack is board experience.

Who does the selecting?

BAL has a selection committee which selects suitable candidates for the boards’ approval.

Will the Apprentice become an insider?

Yes, the Apprentice will become an insider just as do service providers and other people in attendance. A side letter covers all issues of confidentiality and disclosure.

Who mentors the Apprentice?

Each Apprentice will have a mentor from BAL available to them. Some boards have also made one of the board members responsible for the support and inclusion of the Apprentice.

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BAL works closely with lawyers to manage legal and confidentiality issues.