We know that joining a board is just the start of one’s journey as a Trustee. For a new trustee it can be exciting and scary in equal measure. For a long-standing trustee or chair, new issues could present that need working through.

Support can be helpful for several reasons:

• Building positive relationships
• Finding one’s voice and impact
• Building diversity and inclusion into the organisation
• Navigating complex politics
• Handling sensitive or difficult problems
• Navigating the relationship between the board and the executive

Our Programmes

Thrive on Board: support for Chairs and Trustees

We have programmes to support newly appointed and long-standing board members with the aim of helping people thrive on boards – in other words, have an impact and develop themselves.

We know that joining a board is just the start of one’s journey as a trustee. For a new trustee it can be exciting and scary in equal measure. For a long-standing trustee or chair, new issues could present that need working through.

Support can be helpful for several reasons:

• Building positive relationships
• Finding one’s voice and impact
• Building diversity and inclusion into the organisation
• Navigating complex politics
• Handling sensitive or difficult problems
• Navigating the relationship between the board and the executive

Mentoring

Ideal for people new to trusteeship, mentoring is a useful way of learning from an experienced trustee. With a minimum of 4 sessions and ideally 6, mentoring is a tried and tested way of gaining knowledge and confidence quickly.

Mentoring provides a confidential, personal space for reflecting on issues and developing strategies for success through the support of someone who has relevant skills, understanding and experience.

Discussion is always guided by what matters to the mentee. The mentor will ask open, probing questions that encourage personal development and will also, where appropriate, advise and suggest drawing on their own experience.

Mentoring can work in several different ways and it is important that the mentee and mentor choose what is right for them, this may involve a variety of contact styles:

• Scheduled or spontaneous telephone, Zoom conversations or email discussions
• Emergency sessions to handle crisis situations

The mentee directs the agenda and may contact the mentor in advance to make them aware of the issues they wish to discuss. The mentor can add to the agenda, suggest how topics are addressed and will decide how discussions should be handled. Suggested discussion topics could be as follows, but this should be directed by the mentee and their preference for what they want to focus on:

• Identifying and working on strengths and areas of development
• Getting the most from their board role
• Learning how to influence others
• Identifying and working towards personal development goals
• Specific guidance and advice on issues

The fee for mentoring is £2,400 for 6 sessions. Sessions will usually last 60 minutes.

Coaching

Ideal for seasoned trustees and chairs who want to really develop in the role. Coaching provides a safe space to explore the issues that matter most to the person and is facilitated by a qualified coach, who is also an experienced Trustee, in a non-directive way. The goal is for trustees and chairs to build on their existing competencies to fulfil the role even more effectively.

A typical coaching arrangement will include:

Chemistry check: phone call or meeting

Session 1: First 90 days. Meet for 90 minutes of listening. Focus: General assessment of thoughts so far with construction of Action Plan

Session 2: Approach the Action Plan and dealing with new issues. Action Plan update.

Session 3: Approach the Action Plan and dealing with new issues with a focus on individual learning. Action Plan update.

Session 4: Wrap up and consolidation of personal learning. Options to continue coaching.

Fees

The fee for 4 sessions is £3,000.

All fees are subject to VAT at the prevailing rate.