Here are some accounts of the personal experiences of business people who sit on third sector boards:
"This is a win-win-win…. ….for the individual - development from using skills in a different context and the energy and motivation derived from new ‘challenges which contribute’ ….for the charity – access to skills needed to capacity build and a route to progressively addressing diversity issues in their governing body ….for BT - engagement and retention of key staff at all levels and broadening of experience in preparation for role changes or commercial non-exec responsibilities."
Brendan Dick, Director of BT Scotland & President of SCVO
Business on Board seminar November 2009
"To anyone with an interest in sitting on a board I would say there is a lot to gain in being on a board of trustees both for personal fulfilment and your career development…my company has supported me in giving time off to fulfil my duties with PATH Scotland and has this has been incorporated in my personal development objectives Davison Mokina, Risk and Compliance Auditor, Microelectronics co. To anyone with an interest in sitting on a board I would say there is a lot to gain in being on a board of trustees both for personal fulfilment and your career development…my company has supported me in giving time off to fulfil my duties with PATH Scotland and has this has been incorporated in my personal development objectives."
Davison Mokina, Risk and Compliance Auditor, Microelectronics co.
Business on Board seminar - November 2009
“I needed a new challenge that would supplement my technical development and stretch me personally. I had done all the courses but was there anything that would take me out of my comfort zone?
“What I was looking for was an engagement that would take me to the next level of managerial development, providing help and support whilst using existing skills in new ways.”
David Arnold, Scottish Power
"As a management consultant running my own consulting business I am often challenged to consider how the advice I provide to my clients fits within the context of the day to day leadership challenges my clients face. I have recently accepted a role to chair (and effectively run) my local community Rugby club, with over 600 members of 400 of these being youth or minis players.
Its a huge challenge but the learning that running a £200k t/o club, with huge community commitments provides is worth its weight in gold. It provides a grounded and real context to develop my skills, and gives something to the community and to my own development. A truly sustainable relationship.
I would encourage anyone to seriously consider opportunites to contibute to community projects such as this. You cannot put a value on the experience and benefits it will bring in the long term, and you will probably throughly enjoy it too!"
Roger Williams , Managing Director of Realia Consulting and chair of local rugby club.
Do you have your own inspirational experiences to share? If so, please e-mail them to us at businessonboard@scvo.org.uk