A long thread on what I have learnt recently on diversity & inclusion on Boards:
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="⛔️" title="Nicht betreten" aria-label="Emoji: Nicht betreten"> The very concept of a Board is elitist & exclusive from the offset. Like a giant no entry sign for most people.
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="😢" title="Weinendes Gesicht" aria-label="Emoji: Weinendes Gesicht"> I& #39;m sad & cross with myself that my privilege has meant I haven& #39;t seen that

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="😕" title="Verwirrtes Gesicht" aria-label="Emoji: Verwirrtes Gesicht"> Joining a Board when I was 26 was a sign of my privilege but also about the person who gave me a leg up. Thank you @KateBrattFarrar @LeedsWomensAid
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="💜" title="Violettes Herz" aria-label="Emoji: Violettes Herz"> Being on a Board shaped the direction of my career & gave me the experience to help to get me the job I do today.

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="😕" title="Verwirrtes Gesicht" aria-label="Emoji: Verwirrtes Gesicht"> And so whilst I think I& #39;m not too shabby at supporting my team to develop.. I have been rubbish at seeing the massive opportunity to do this at Board level!
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="🙄" title="Gesicht mit rollenden Augen" aria-label="Emoji: Gesicht mit rollenden Augen"> + that our Board role descriptions & person specs were full of stupid businessy, strategy jargon.

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="😞" title="Enttäuschtes Gesicht" aria-label="Emoji: Enttäuschtes Gesicht"> So no surprise why very few people apply AND that the demographics of the average charity Board stays the same.
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="😞" title="Enttäuschtes Gesicht" aria-label="Emoji: Enttäuschtes Gesicht"> And that people do not think that doing it is for them, or that they will feel welcome, be meaningfully included or listened to.

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="💜" title="Violettes Herz" aria-label="Emoji: Violettes Herz"> Which is not to say that I don& #39;t greatly value the brilliant people I have on my Board. They are fabulous & we are very lucky to have them.
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="💜" title="Violettes Herz" aria-label="Emoji: Violettes Herz"> But we are taking a new approach to Board recruitment, Induction and training.
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="💪🏼" title="Angespannter Bizeps (mittelheller Hautton)" aria-label="Emoji: Angespannter Bizeps (mittelheller Hautton)"> Because there is SO MUCH amazing talent out there

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="💜" title="Violettes Herz" aria-label="Emoji: Violettes Herz"> So many of these people already give so much to their community.
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="💪🏼" title="Angespannter Bizeps (mittelheller Hautton)" aria-label="Emoji: Angespannter Bizeps (mittelheller Hautton)"> But there is also huge potential! People who just need a bit of a different route, a vote of confidence, a leg up, a genuine open door. And for us to reach out in a different way.

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="💜" title="Violettes Herz" aria-label="Emoji: Violettes Herz">It is our duty to find & nurture that talent for our staff teams AND our Boards, & to build the trust. Because trust & confidence does not happen over night.
https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="💜" title="Violettes Herz" aria-label="Emoji: Violettes Herz"> I& #39;m annoyed with myself that I& #39;ve not done better so far but I will do better now AND the learning continues!

https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="💜" title="Violettes Herz" aria-label="Emoji: Violettes Herz"> Thank you to those who are helping me & my organisation learn. You know who you are and I& #39;m very grateful for your patience, insight & expertise.