The Future of Boardrooms: Greater Diversity, Higher Impact

Here is your opportunity to add purpose to yourself and be inspired to be associated with the social sector. This experiential three-month program enables you to give back by lending your expertise to social sector organisations by becoming "board - ready".

A PROGRAM BY

Applications closing soon!

Application deadline for Cohort 5
30^th April 2024

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The 5th goal of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to
achieve gender equality and
empower all women and girls

Why Women

One of the specific targets for SDGs' 5th goal is to ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life. While there has already been a significant growth of women at senior levels in the corporate sector, there is still a lack of women in leadership and advisory roles in Social Purpose Organisations.

Why Boards

Given the SDGs’ focus on leadership, it makes sense to first focus on boardrooms, as they are in the position to set the direction of organisations. Being a board member or advisor to an organisation enables individuals to contribute to the social impact sector whilst leveraging their network, leadership skills and technical knowledge. Additionally, the individuals also implement these learnings in their current roles.

Why This Program

While expanding leadership potential for non-profit organisations, the program looks to provide participants with the necessary perspectives, tools, means of engagement and networking opportunities with Social Purpose Organisations that align with their skill sets.

Program Objectives

Build a thorough understanding of the social sector

Develop an understanding of self in the context of the social sector

Deep-dive into Board roles and responsibilities

Explore structures and processes that improve Board governance

Cohort placements on the advisory boards of social impact organisations

Volunteering engagement in-between modules to empower the learning journey with field based experience as board readiness is being built

Master classes (virtual) between modules on various aspects of Board and organisation engagement to enrich the knowledge base

Who Is It For?

Women who have:

A minimum of 15 years of experience in any professional sector, such as corporate, academic or entrepreneurship, among others.
A desire to learn about, serve and influence Social Purpose Organisation.
An aspiration towards serving in a Board role.
Served in leadership positions and/ or led organisations, built businesses/ teams, possess deep expertise in a particular field.

What's In It For You?

Exposure to the needs and challenges of the sector to help you find the areas where you can add most value
Sector immersion through the intensive curriculum developed by Social Purpose Organisation governance expert, Aarti Madhusudan, and delivered by experienced sector leaders, practitioners and academia
Organisational preparedness sessions with Founders/ CEOs of Social Purpose Organisations to ensure their readiness to induct you as a new board member
Advisory Board positions in the sector that align with your profile and interests
Mentorship and support during the first year to enable a smooth transition into the board role

Meet The Cohorts

Wondering whether this program suits you? Check out the profiles of cohort 1

View Cohort 1 Profiles

Wondering whether this program suits you? Check out the profiles of cohort 2

View Cohort 2 Profiles

Wondering whether this program suits you? Check out the profiles of our cohort 3

View Cohort 3 Profiles

Wondering whether this program suits you? Check out the profiles of our cohort 4

View Cohort 4 Profiles

Learning Journey

This is a blended program (a mix of virtual + in-person) that comprises three modules. At the end of the program, participants will be matched with Social Purpose Organisations that can leverage the specific skills and expertise that they bring to the table. The participants will be provided with mentorship support during their onboarding phase.

Each module offers:

Cross-functional curriculum focusing on perspectives, tools and means of engagement on Social Purpose Organisation boards

Peer learning and experience-based exercises in the form of case studies, discussions, group work, activities and role play

Interaction with sector leaders and experts

Reflection and self-work

Through the modules you will explore the social impact sector and good governance in the context of Social Purpose Organisation as described below

Module

1

Understanding of the Social Sector and Self in that Context

This module provides a strong understanding of the sector, its challenges, founders' journey and strategic imperatives for the organisational leadership. Participants will also be able to reflect on their own motivations and aspirations that
will enable them to be more conscious of their alignment to specific domains within the social impact space and how their experience and expertise could be well-suited to those.

Board Roles and Effectiveness

This module will outline the role of a Board and the responsibilities associated with it both at the Board and the individual member level. It will also provide insights into the various types of Board role engagements aligned to the life stage of organisations.

Module

2

Module

3

Governance Mechanisms and Best Practices

The module will cover aspects like a rotation policy, the work of Board positions and committees, conflict/ duality of interest policies and Board development.