The Business on Board programme is part of a suite of programmes which aim to promote dialogue and exchange between the private and third sectors. The mutual benefits and opportunities this offers, at both an organisational and individual level, have already been well demonstrated through the Realise Mentoring and Business Know How programmes. 

Third sector organisations – charities, voluntary organisations, social enterprises, community associations – benefit from the business knowledge of colleagues in the private sector.  In return, the third sector can offer important insights to help better target valuable CSR initiatives. Cross-sectoral exchange offers exciting new challenges to individuals giving them opportunities for both personal and career development as they develop new insights and transferable skills.

The triple bottom line is about achieving social and environmental gains, underpinned by sound financial sustainability - every third sector organisation’s aim. Third sector organisations are expert at the first two of these but many could do with support to improve their financial sustainability.

The Business on Board programme has been developed to help broker that support by encouraging and supporting people with business skills to join their Boards. This offers mutual benefits and opportunities at a business and individual level.

At an individual level it offers personal and career development opportunities and the opportunity to contribute to achieving significant social, environmental and cultural objectives that are really important to society, even more so during the current climate.

In business terms, it offers private sector organisations positive public relations and CSR opportunities and the opportunity to develop the leadership skills of employees.