Beyond Suffrage
(Network Partner Programme)
Beyond Suffrage is our new trustee training programme that has been developed to increase the number of women from ethnic minority backgrounds, serving at board level in the charity sector.
Measurable progress on achieving gender equality at board level in the charity sector is being made – however, women of colour continue to be consistently underrepresented at both senior leadership and board level. This applies not only in the voluntary sector, but across all the sectors in the UK.
The aim of Beyond Suffrage, is to accelerate progress towards achieving gender equality for women of colour at board level, by adopting a measurable long term strategy that focuses on breaking down barriers and creating an organic pipeline of talented future leaders.
The programme which will run until 2030 was developed following consultation with 144 young women of colour – and will contribute towards Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
We initially launched the programme in October 2019, looking to work with young women aged between 18-25.
Following our launch, we received an overwhelming response from charities interested in working with participants on our training programme: including, Women's Aid, UK Youth, Girl Guiding UK, Water Aid, Prisoner's Education, Mencap and Peer Power – to name but a few.
We are now looking to extend our programme criteria to include women of colour over 25 years old. We are therefore looking to partner with a range of professional networks that have ....
Our under 25's programme was featured in the press by:
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The Voice (read press article)
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Third Sector News (read press article)
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Fundraising UK News (read press article)
About the Beyond Suffrage Network Partner Programme
The Beyond Suffrage Network Partner Programme is a condensed 4–week trustee training programme for women of colour, who are members of professional networks and are interested in volunteering on charity trustee boards.
Participants on the programme will be selected following an application and telephone interview process, and can apply to take part in the programme either directly via our site or by attending a trusteeship network event hosted in conjunction with their professional network. (Please contact us about hosting a free collaborative recruitment event for your network).
As a not-for-profit organisation, our Beyond Suffrage programme agenda is driven solely by the desire to facilitate the creation of board level opportunities for women of colour. As such, there is no fee charged to participants for taking part in our 4 -week programme.
Over the course of the 4-week period, each cohort will complete the following two online modules, delivered via live classroom sessions in the evening:
1. Introduction to Charity Governance & Finance
2. Sustainability, Power Sharing & Ethical Leadership
A networking event will also be organised, where programme participants within a cohort will have the opportunity to meet each other face to face, as well as to network with senior charity sector leaders. Programme alumni will then go on to become mentors –– acting as visible role models and supporting the next generation of participants.
Key dates:
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4 November 2019 Beyond Suffrage (network partners) applications open
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4 November 2019 Beyond Suffrage (network partners) applications open
Criteria:
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Women from a Black, Asian or other Minority Ethnic background, based in the UK
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Aged over 18
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Strong interest in volunteering in the charity sector
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Able to commit to our 3-week programme and attend board meetings once placed with a charity
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Most importantly, a strong desire to break glass ceilings