Author: Tina Calder

All-Ireland Sustainability Awards Announces U105 As Media Partner

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Danielle McCormick, Founder of The All-Ireland Sustainability Awards, alongside Peter McVerry, U105 Station Manager at the announcement of a three-year partnership with the company. The All-Ireland Sustainability Awards are open across 13 categories, including Food Waste Reduction, Agri-Food Initiative and Young Changemaker. To enter visit https://www.allirelandsustainability.com

County Antrim based environmental specialists Triterra, have joined forces with local Northern Ireland radio station U105 as media partner for the first ever All Ireland Sustainability Awards. With the global focus on reducing carbon emissions and improving meaningful sustainability within business and communities, the awards are set to celebrate the best in business and communities across Ireland.  

This year’s awards, which are being held in partnership with Everun and offers 13 categories covering biodiversity, waste, young changemaker, food, green marketing and sustainable tourism have been announced and organisers are encouraging organisations of all types, large and small, new and established to enter and boast their sustainability credentials and excellence.

Award submissions are currently open with finalists and winners being celebrated at a spectacular gala evening in the Europa Hotel on 5 October 2023.  In addition to the 13 categories, an Overall Winner of the Year 2023 will be announced. This prestigious title will go to one category winner who will be crowned most Sustainable Business of the Year 2023.

“Danielle McCormick, CEO of Triterra and founder of the All-Ireland Sustainability Awards commented: “Sustainability and the drive towards net-zero are now firmly on the agenda for all and is essential component in our businesses strategies if we are to safeguard our current and future businesses, lifestyles, communities and planet. 

“The idea for the first Awards originated from the works we have undertaken with our All-Ireland Sustainability Professionals Network since 2020, which now has almost 450 members.  We found that all of our partners and members wanted to get involved in helping to drive the sustainability agenda and create positive change, share best practice learnings and create collaboration opportunities.   

“We are thrilled to secure U105 as a media partner and will work with them and our lead awards partner, Everun – energy management specialists, and our other sponsors on our collective sustainability ambition.”  

Discussing the Awards partnership, Ross Moffett, Sales & Business Development Director at Everun, added: “We are delighted to partner in the inaugural All-Ireland Sustainability Awards this October as the ethos of these events has a natural fit with our own.

“At Everun we are focused on helping customers become more sustainable through reducing energy consumption, and we feel these awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise all the great work being achieved across the island of Ireland to drive and accelerate positive change across the sustainability agenda. 

“We are looking forward to the judging and hearing more about the individuals and organisations making a difference across the categories.”

 

Peter McVerry, Station Manager with U105, said “Sustainability and excellence is important to our company, and with stations across Ireland all working towards this, we are delighted to partner with Danielle and her team for the next three years to support the awards and annual summit.  

“We are excited to be bringing this expertise to our company focus too and gaining knowledge and insights which we can put into action to better support our sustainability goals and objectives as a local business here. Plus we can share best practice with our listeners, our clients and our suppliers.”

The All-Ireland Sustainability Awards, which are free to enter, are open until 15 August.  

Finalists will be announced in early September. Individuals can nominate themselves, their organisation, or a colleague for an award. The Awards themselves will be created by upcoming Northern Irish artist, Ruthie Stewart, who will design a unique trophy for each category. 

Organised by All-Ireland Sustainability in partnership with Everun, and media partner U105, sponsors include Visit Belfast, International Synergies NI, Danske, NIE Networks, Veri Connect, Carbonfit, Frylite and Ulster Bank.  

Details of Award categories and nomination forms are available from www.allirelandsustainability.com

Renewables firm Everun makes major investment to double workforce and target new markets

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Belfast energy management firm Everun is making a multi-million-pound investment to double its workforce with the aim of tripling its turnover by the end of 2024 as it diversifies into new markets. 

The renewable energy specialists provide a range of services across solar and wind power, electric vehicle (EV) charging systems and smart motor systems.  

The investment is being supported by Invest Northern Ireland and will create 32 high value, mostly engineering, jobs that will contribute £1.43m in annual salaries to the economy. 

Commenting on the investment, Michael Thompson, Everun’s Managing Director, said: “We have developed a strategy for expansion and diversification that will see us growing our reach across the UK and Ireland. Our focus will be on consolidating our position as a leading provider of onshore wind turbine generator asset management services and building on our success to date in the EV charging arena. We’ve also identified significant opportunities for growth in the solar power, battery energy storage and smart motor markets.

“Invest NI has been extremely supportive, helping us to take on staff when we first entered the EV charging market and assisting with this latest expansion. Its support ensures we can move quickly to establish Everun as a complete renewable energy services solution for businesses across the UK and Ireland.”

Everun recently announced a new partnership with Scottish engineering firm MCE Scotland to introduce its innovative Turntide Smart Motor Systems to the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) market across Scotland. The system is 80% more energy-efficient than traditional motors. The partnership was announced in May at the Invest NI stand at the All-Energy Conference 2023 in Glasgow. 

Grainne McVeigh, Invest NI’s Director of Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering, said: “Everun is helping businesses across the UK and Ireland to achieve their sustainability goals and reduce their carbon footprint. Through its range of renewable power solutions, the company is not only offering protection from volatile energy markets but is also providing products and services that help businesses reduce costs and improve productivity.

“Invest NI has identified the green economy as a key driver that will be central to Northern Ireland’s future. Our support for innovative companies like Everun aligns with the Department for the Economy’s 10X economic vision to transition to a greener, more sustainable economy.”

Invest NI recently published its Key Performance Indicators statistics which show that in 2022 businesses it supports accounted for approximately 75 per cent of Northern Ireland exports, with sales in the Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering sector increasing by £1bn over 2021.

New Service For Economically Inactive Across NI Launches To Combat Unemployment

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Enterprise NI and Prince’s Trust team up to deliver Northern Ireland Explore Enterprise Support Service to 1200 people

A new service aimed at engaging Northern Ireland’s most economically inactive people was launched by Enterprise NI and Prince’s Trust this week.

The new service Northern Ireland Explore Enterprise Support Service (NIEESS), is set to run until March 31, 2025. It will offer anyone across the country, considered economically inactive the ability to develop their entrepreneurial and employability skills.

This project has received £1.8m from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is set to target around,1200 individuals aged 16 and above.

The service, delivered by Local Enterprise Agencies and Prince’s Trust will improve enterprise, interpersonal, and employability skills of those taking part, helping them improve their marketability as a candidate and ultimately become self-employed or find a job.

The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency’s 2022 (NISRA) Labour Market Report found that people who are economically non-responsive made up around 28.3% of the 16-64 age group between April – June 2022, meaning that over a quarter of the eligible working population weren’t working at all or looking for work.

Michael McQuillan, Chief Executive of Enterprise Northern Ireland said: “We are very excited about the new service and how it puts the citizen at the centre of a range of supports, connecting them with the right support at the right time. 

“In doing so, we feel our partnership with Prince’s Trust NI will ensure citizens throughout Northern Ireland experiencing the barriers of economic inactivity will have the opportunity to make personal and positive strides in their lives.”

By encouraging out-of-work individuals to develop themselves both personally and professionally, the aim of the service is to boost the economy by helping participants become economically active.

NIEESS is aimed at individuals who have been out of employment for a minimum of four weeks and those who are currently unable to start a new position due to everything from a lack of transferable skills to an inability to engage with the job market due to personal circumstances.

Mark Dougan, NI Director of the Prince’s Trust NI said: “In the Prince’s Trust, our ambition is to give more disadvantaged young people the opportunity to create a better future through Employment, Education and Enterprise. 

“We have a long history of supporting young people to explore their business idea, with many progressing into self-employment with the support of our staff and expert business volunteers. 

“The Prince’s Trust are excited to be working in partnership with Enterprise Northern Ireland to launch the Northern Ireland Explore Enterprise Support Service, which will give local entrepreneurs the opportunity to explore, test and refine their business idea and journey towards self-employment.”

The service delivery partners will identify mentors and trainers who will be on-hand for the service users to offer a participant centric approach meaning everyone who signs up will be given a tailored package of support which will provide holistic support targeted to their individual needs and areas where people require the most assistance.

It is estimated that the scheme will provide assistance to over 1200 service users helping them to transition towards employment or entrepreneurship.

For more information about the Northern Ireland Explore Enterprise Support Service (NIEESS) go to enterpriseni.com 

Deadline Is Approaching To Apply For This Year’s Boardroom Apprentice

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There are only a few days left to apply for this year’s Boardroom Apprentice programme online via the official Boardroom Apprentice website.

All applications are to be submitted by 3pm on Monday June 19.

Now in its seventh year, the Boardroom Apprentice is a UK first 12-month unique board learning, development and placement programme which enables those who would like to serve on a public or third sector board to learn and gain experience through in-depth training and support.

Founded in 2017, the programme has helped 277 candidates from across Northern Ireland to begin their Boardroom journey.

Applications are open to those aged 16 or over from all backgrounds and abilities as the programme aims to enable a wider diversity of individuals to sit on boards and help move their board member role from aspiration to reality.

The programme brings together the three key elements of knowledge and understanding, experience and support. Over a twelve-month window Boardroom Apprentices will get practical board experience, a suite of learning days and support to fully equip them to serve on a board in the public or third sector.

Throughout the 12 months, candidates are required to take part in regular learning days on topics such as finance, governance and complete a board placement on a board one of this year’s Host Boards, matched by both Eileen and a selection of former apprentices.

Boardroom Apprentice Jules Black, who was placed on a board with Young Enterprise NI in 2022, believes the experience was incredibly informative and beneficial.

She said: “The programme was brilliant. It allowed me the opportunity to have a ‘lived experience‘ of a board whilst incorporating the theory from the learning days, closing the theory-practice gap which brought a richness to the learning experience.”

Similarly, Craig Service identified Boardroom Apprentice as an invaluable opportunity, saying: “It was one of the most humbling and authentic experiences I have ever had. 

“I would highly recommend the programme to anyone. If you are thinking of applying please apply, you will not regret it.”

This year’s programme will run from 01st September 2023 – until 31st August 2024.

Applications are now open, to apply go to boardroomapprentice.com/how-to-apply

For more information on Boardroom Apprentice go to boardroomapprentice.com 

A Chance To Give Back: How The Boardroom Apprentice Helped Robin Taylor Make A Difference

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By Jasmine Hughes

Though already a part of Northern Ireland’s civil service, Belfast resident Robin Taylor felt he wanted the chance to give back to the community he lives in. The Boardroom Apprentice programme gave Robin the opportunity to do exactly that. 

Hailing from Lisburn originally, Robin is an employee within the Department for the Economy, working within the Permanent Secretary’s office. Incentivised by a desire to “make a difference in the community”, Robin joined the Boardroom Apprenticeship scheme in August last year. 

Founded in 2017 Boardroom Apprentice seeks to move the board member role from aspiration to reality. For people wanting to make a tangible difference to their local or national community, Boardroom Apprentice enables individuals to learn and develop the necessary skills in a safe and well-supported environment. With a passion for music, Robin knew going into the programme that he wanted to work on a board with a background in the arts. 

“Music plays a major role in my life,” said Robin, who plays both percussion and the piano, and has prior experience as a member of a band.  

It happened that Robin was placed with Arts Care, a charity based in Belfast. Founded in 1991, Art Care serves as the meeting point between art and healthcare. Through a variety of art projects, workshops and events, Arts Care aims to support the health and well-being of all its participants.

Boardroom Apprentice pushed Robin harder than expected. 

“In all honesty, the programme was much more than I expected,” said Robin, adding: “More work, but I also got much more out of it.” 

Though perhaps challenging at times, Robin’s time with Arts Care helped him to develop skills vital to a position on a board in the public sector. But there’s a versatility to the skills learned, too. 

“It definitely added several strings to my bow,” said Robin. 

“I’ve a much greater understanding of what Boards do, and can apply almost all of the learning to my day job as well.” 

But the Boardroom Apprentice provided Robin with even more than a sharpened set of skills. During his time with Arts Care, Robin found himself a part of a close-knit team. The team went beyond merely collaborative. Not only did they all work well together, but there was a genuine level of care. Robin said he was surprised by quite how strongly the “team came together”. 

“There were plenty of Zoom calls and WhatsApp messages where we all looked after each other,” said the 36 year old. 

“I wasn’t expecting to find such a good, caring group when I walked through the door on the first day, or that we’d all need each other over the year.”

Robin’s experience as part of the Arts Care team left a great impression on him. 

“I learnt as an individual, but contributed as part of a team,” said the Belfast local. 

“You’ll get very close to your fellow team members, which was a great outcome.”

Growth in all aspects, as facilitated by the programme, provided Robin with an excellent learning experience. 

“But it’s learning on a variety of subjects,” said Robin, elaborating on the wide breadth of experience that Boardroom Apprentice participants gain during their time on the programme.

Robin referred to “all the Learning Days” he participated in, as well as “the time spent attending Board meetings”.

Along with this, Robin also had the chance to attend workstream meetings and event openings, as well as strategic and board induction days.

“The biggest learning point has probably been developing how I read, analyse and make notes of documents,” Robin added. 

“Specifically board papers, including financial statements.

“I learned more about Finance than I thought possible, as well as learning about governance, partnership working, as well as the sort of questions we could be asking.”

Beyond providing participants with the skills and experience needed to flourish on a public or third sector board, Boardroom Apprentice seeks to go one step further by diversifying the industry. 

Robin said he felt that the Boardroom Apprentice programme “embraces diversity” and “challenges stereotyping”. 

By ensuring diversity in its intake, work can be done to ensure that diversity increases across boards within the public sector. 

“The more diversity in the programme will hopefully lead to more diversity on boards, as each cohort applies to board positions,” he explained. 

As Robin’s time on the Arts Care board comes to an end, he reflected upon his experience there. 

“Arts Care have been absolutely fantastic at every stage of the programme,” he said. 

“They were incredibly welcoming and included me in everything they’ve done. They’re a fantastic organisation that are doing wonderful work in the community.

Armed with the experience he’s gained and skills he’s learnt, Robin now hopes to find a permanent position on a board. His advice to those contemplating applying for Boardroom Apprentice? 

“Take advantage of the chance!

“It is such a wonderful opportunity,” he said. “I think it’s a great developmental opportunity for anyone that can apply.” 

Applications for the Boardroom Apprentice 2023 programme open on Monday June 5 and close at 3pm on Monday June 19.

To apply go the Boardroom Apprentice programme go to boardroomapprentice.com/how-to-apply

For more information on Boardroom Apprentice go to boardroomapprentice.com 

Renewables Firm Everun Sponsoring NI Chamber Business Lunch At Belfast City Hall

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Northern Ireland renewables experts Everun have been announced as one of the sponsors of NI Chamber’s Annual Lunch.

The energy firm joins the line-up of big-name brands who are supporting the Annual President’s Lunch.

The Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry is hosting the return of its Annual Lunch at Belfast City Hall on Friday June 23.

The event will cater for over 400 individuals involved in business, offering a full food and drink service to all in attendance at the end of the month.

Hosted by the NI Chamber’s newly-elected President, Cathal Geoghegan, the lunch has already sold out, being highly anticipated since it was first announced.

The event will feature a talk from much-loved former professional footballer Harry Redknapp, who will take to the stage to be interviewed by the event’s host, broadcaster Claire McCollum.

Everun are proud to be a sponsor for this year’s instalment, choosing to support the event to boost the local business industry.

Ross Moffett, Sales & Business Development Director at Everun said: “At Everun, we believe in the power of collaboration. That’s why we’re thrilled to sponsor the NI Chamber of Commerce annual lunch. 

“Together, we can create a happier and more prosperous business community in Northern Ireland. 

“The event will allow the excellence of industry within NI an opportunity to get together and celebrate their collective successes.”

The afternoon is also being sponsored by service provider BT, law firm Cleaver Fulton Rankin, chartered accountants GMcG and technology giant Dell.

Boardroom Apprentice Success: 100% Of Participating Individuals Feel Equipped To Step Into A Future Board Role

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Boardroom Apprentice has recently opened its applications for the seventh year of its widely renowned and successful programme, welcoming individuals to take part in the twelve-month scheme.

Throughout the year-long programme, people from all backgrounds and abilities are seated with boards across the country, promoting diversity and inclusion in the industry. 

Created to provide a safe space for everyone interested in learning about being on a board, the 12 month programme seeks to enable a wider diversity of individuals to play their part within boardrooms, allowing those without board experience, to gain experience and enhancing their knowledge and understanding through in-depth learning and support.

The success of Boardroom Apprentice has been unprecedented, with host boards such as Northern Ireland Audit Office, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and Equality Commission For Northern Ireland being amongst some of the names offering places to apprentices. 

Rodney Allen, COO of the Northern Ireland Audit Office, expressed his delight at being involved in the programme, saying: “I commend the scheme, its objectives, achievements to date and hopefully continued success in the future.”

He also encouraged potential applicants to try their hand at sitting with a board, explaining that the scheme provides individuals with a rare chance to grow in a variety of different ways.

He said: “Definitely give it a go – be prepared and be open to learning.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to learn and develop both professionally and personally, and be well placed at the end of the programme to take up a boardroom position.”

Not only do the host boards involved in Boardroom Apprentice believe it’s an outstanding scheme, but so too do past participants.

According to the ‘What Boardroom Apprentices Did Next’ report by McNamee Consulting, individuals taking part in the programme reported gaining a multitude of skills as well as benefiting from hands-on experience of sitting on a board.

It stated: “Recurring themes included increased confidence, better understanding of theory and practice, greater knowledge of roles and responsibilities associated with a board, practical experience of being on a board as well as increased understanding of key governance issues including legal and financial aspects.”

100% of people who took part in Boardroom Apprentice in 2020 stated that they would recommend the programme to others, believing it is an invaluable resource for everyone looking to get their foot in the door.

The report also found that, following on from their twelve-month placement, 25% of apprentices were presented with the chance to remain within their host board, with 86% accepting the opportunity.

100% of apprentices who undertook the programme in 2020 believed that it helped them in their new role afterwards, showcasing how useful it was in aiding both personal and professional progression.

Applications for Boardroom Apprentice 2023 are now open and are set to close at 3pm on Monday June 19.

To apply go the Boardroom Apprentice programme go to boardroomapprentice.com/how-to-apply

For more information on Boardroom Apprentice go to boardroomapprentice.com 

Promoting Passion and Equality: How Polona Rogina Is Adding To The Boardroom Apprentice Diversity

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2022 Boardroom Apprentice Polona Regina

Tackling diversity is a tricky task for just one person to undertake, but 33 year old Polona Rogina is hoping to kickstart a movement on boosting the inclusion of people from all backgrounds and walks of life in the boardroom.

Originally from Slovenia and now living in Belfast, the Talent Intelligence Manager was matched with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive host board for a year with the Boardroom Apprentice programme.

Speaking on her decision to join the scheme, Polona identified that the programme’s values were a big inspiration which resonated with the Slovenian’s heritage and desire for a more inclusive workforce higher up the ranks.

“I thought the Boardroom Apprentice programme was a fantastic idea to bring diversity to the Boards,” she explained.

Founded in 2017, the Boardroom Apprentice programme has helped 277 people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities from across Northern Ireland to begin their Boardroom journey. This programme offers a distinctive opportunity for individuals interested in serving on public or third sector board to acquire knowledge, develop skills, and gain practical experience in a safe environment before venturing into the actual boardroom.

Not only was diversity important to Polona, but she jumped at the opportunity to give back to a community that is incredibly close to her heart after being involved with it for several years.

She said “I’ve always worked in the private sector, so I wanted to give something back, make a difference as well as gain an interesting, valuable experience.”

Polona was hopeful about the various invaluable insights she would gain that would easily translate to both her professional experience within her role at AMS as well as personal growth away from the industry.

She explained that she “expected to learn about Governance, how public bodies work and what really is the role of a Board” as well as wanting to develop a variety of new and existing skills whilst as an apprentice.

“How to think strategically, how to be able to look at the bigger picture and how to better my communication skills” were just some of the useful traits she developed during her time with Boardroom Apprentice and she is confident that she will use them to her advantage in the future.

Not only were her expectations met when she undertook the programme, Polona found that they were massively exceeded, with the benefits of the scheme being unlike anything she could have predicted.

Her time within the Boardroom Apprentice was filled with activities she had never participated in  before, something that Polona particularly enjoyed and was grateful for.

“I’ve attended Board meetings and Resource and Performance Committee, worked with my Board Buddy and asked questions during meetings,” all opportunities, she explained, were not ones previously accessible to her without the premise of Boardroom Apprentice.

The overwhelming passion shown by everyone on the board also helped Polona’s overall outlook on the scheme, with everything welcoming her into the experience with open arms.

“Sitting on the NIHE has been brilliant. It was so welcoming and it has shown me the passion everyone at the NIHE has to make a difference and support communities,” something that resonated with her core values of giving back to the sector in every way possible.

Boardroom Apprentice is committed to enabling opportunities that everyone can avail of to ensure everyone is able to get their foot in the door

Polona’s time in the scheme is just one of the many success stories from the programme, with the team at Northern Ireland Housing Executive treating her as a fully “equal board member.”

From challenging stereotypes to promoting diversity, Polona is proud to say the experience altered her way of thinking, identifying that it opened her “horizons of thinking and what it really means sitting on a board.”

“I think it more demonstrates how important diversity is in thinking.”

After her confidence was damaged following her return from maternity leave into an environment where she felt less trusted, Boardroom Apprentice has helped reinstate her worthiness in the industry and highlighted how everyone’s views are important on a board.

Polona said “I felt that I would push myself to apply for Boardroom Apprentice and I’m so glad I did – it was the best thing I ever attended! Just fantastic!”

Having been involved in the scheme in 2022, she highly encourages others to apply for the opportunity, explaining that it couldn’t be easier to secure your place on one of the various boards within the programme.

“Don’t be afraid to apply, do it!”

To apply to the Boardroom Apprentice programme go to boardroomapprentice.com/how-to-apply

For more information on Boardroom Apprentice go to boardroomapprentice.com

One Week Left To Apply For This Year’s Boardroom Apprentice

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NI Boardroom Apprentice 2022 Group Shot

There’s only one week left to apply for this year’s Boardroom Apprentice programme online via the official Boardroom Apprentice website.

All applications are to be submitted by 3pm on Monday June 19.

Now in its seventh year, the Boardroom Apprentice is a UK first 12-month unique board learning, development and placement programme which enables those who would like to serve on a public or third sector board to learn and gain experience through in-depth training and support.

Founded in 2017, the Boardroom Apprentice programme has helped 277 people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities from across Northern Ireland to begin their Boardroom journey.

Applications are open to those aged 16 or over from all backgrounds and abilities as the programme aims to enable a wider diversity of individuals to sit on boards and help move their board member role from aspiration to reality.

Helping Boardroom Apprentices feel supported is at the heart of the programme’s initiative, with 2022 Boardroom Apprentice Ciara Burch highlighting that her experience certainly matched with the scheme’s beliefs.

She said: “I was genuinely taken aback by the strength of the community that the Boardroom Apprentice programme has built and how supportive of an environment it all is. 

“I feel as though I could reach out to any of my fellow apprentices to gain support in my boardroom journey.”

Over a twelve-month window, Boardroom Apprentices will get practical board experience, a suite of learning days and support to fully equip them to serve on a board in the public or third sector after completing the programme.

Throughout the 12 months, candidates are required to take part in regular learning days on topics such as finance, governance along with a board placement on one of this year’s 51 Host Boards, matched by both Eileen and a selection of former apprentices.

The programme is keen to promote diversity, encouraging everyone to get involved regardless of your professional or personal background.

2022 Boardroom Apprentice Gillian Orr revealed the experience is for everyone and that she surprised herself by already having transferable skills that she later used whilst on the Nexus NI board. 

“I developed so many professional and personal skills over the course of the programme – from understanding finance better to governance, communication and effective questioning,” she said.

“But perhaps my biggest learning is that I do actually have the skills and experience to give and that having different opinions, insights and outlooks make for more effective board discussions.” 

For anyone still wondering whether they should apply, 2022 Boardroom Apprentice Harry Robinson urges anyone to simply “go for it”.

He said: “Taking part in Boardroom Apprentice has been the most engaging and rewarding programme that I’ve had the pleasure to take part in.”

This year’s programme will run from 01st September 2023 – until 31st August 2024.

Applications are now open, to apply go to boardroomapprentice.com/how-to-apply

For more information on Boardroom Apprentice go to boardroomapprentice.com

How Martina Bradley Got Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable During Her Time At Boardroom Apprentice

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By Maisie Laughton

Stepping out of our comfort zone can cover a range of both somewhat small and inexplicably large tasks, with Martina Bradley choosing to leap head-first rather than walk into a new environment, an experience she certainly does not regret grabbing by the horns.

46-year-old Martina was born in Magherafelt and remains based in nearby Castledawson, County Derry, but home comforts are definitely not holding her back from embracing every opportunity she can, including being a Boardroom Apprentice with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust board.

As part of Boardroom Apprentice, Martina undertook a twelve-month placement on the programme where she added to her life as a solicitor and business owner to make her stamp on Northern Ireland.

A first of its kind in the UK, the Boardroom Apprentice is a 12-month unique board learning, development and placement programme which enables those who would like to serve on a public or third sector board to gain invaluable experience through in-depth training and support.

Founded by Eileen Mullan in 2017, the programme is now in its sixth year and has helped many candidates across Northern Ireland to begin their Boardroom journey. 

Participating in the scheme in 2022 and becoming a Boardroom Apprentice, Martina initially applied as a way of using the expertise she gained from her successful career.

She explained she wanted to utilise “the skills developed in my career to contribute to public life by way of sitting on a public sector board”, with the premise of the programme offering to do exactly that.

Seeing the experience as “an opportunity to expand skills and contribute to public life”, she applied to the scheme in the hope of developing her experience whilst also making meaningful contributions in the industry.

She explained: “I had limited knowledge of the programme beforehand, but when I saw it advertised on Twitter it appealed to me as I had taken a temporary step away from my main career as a solicitor to help develop a family business and was seeking some way that I could utilise the skills I had developed in a meaningful way.

“The programme seemed like the perfect opportunity to gain practical experience and knowledge but I did not expect to gain the high level of insight that I have.”

Martina’s hopes to expand on her “skill set and continue working in a professional capacity” were not only met but exceeded during Boardroom Apprentice, with the accomplished mother of four completing a wide array of tasks that she believes have positively impacted her outlook on not only the industry but her professional career as a whole.

Having “practised as a family and divorce lawyer for over 20 years”, Martina was used to working on solo projects rather than in a larger team, finding that the opportunities for group exercises were useful for her to understand the ways in which a board functioned and how it differed from her previous professional experience.

“Aside from the formal learning, the programme was confidence building and supportive and very much encouraged teamwork” she said. 

“As a Solicitor, I often worked alone or with a smaller legal team, therefore the experience of being part of a larger team of people with varying professional backgrounds and skill sets was a fabulous experience and despite at times encountering difficulties we were able to come together to ensure we represented ourselves in the best possible fashion.”

Martina’s involvement with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust encompassed a range of different daily activities, many of which she had not undertaken before and widely contributed to her newfound tailored skill set.

Alongside “in depth learning about governance, financial, communication and partnership issues affecting Public Boards and how to apply these to any role I may assume on a Board going forward,” she cites a variety of other key skills as benefits of the programme too.

“I learnt communication and confidence, assertiveness and taking action in a timely and responsible fashion, teamwork and cooperation, how to ask the right questions, and, arguably the most poignant, getting comfortable with being uncomfortable!” she said.

The programme also provided her with a supportive network to turn to, with Boardroom Apprentice providing a safe haven for anyone aiming to try their hand at appearing on a board for the first time.

Martina explained: “No-one is there to catch you out on things you do not know but rather to encourage each participant to see that they have the skills to act on a public board and to contribute to public life.”

Despite her confidence not being a trait she deemed herself as lacking in, Martina believes the scheme has improved her belief in herself when it comes to being on a board, asking questions and succeeding.

“It certainly reinforced with me that I do have the skills to sit on a Board. The programme has given me the confidence to do so” she said.

“I now have direct experience of sitting on a Public Board which, coming from the private sector, I did not have and has shown me that I have transferable skills. 

“I have greater insight into the public appointments application process and feel I have developed team working skills that will be useful for any Board.

Speaking on the extended timeline it takes to complete the programme, Martina explained that the twelve month period ensures you are fully versed in all areas of sitting on a public board and fully embrace the opportunity as well as its benefits.

She said: “I feel it takes at least a year to fully appreciate the varied and wide range of the host Boards activities. Most of my non executive colleagues say longer!

“Whilst it takes commitment to fit the programme in around other responsibilities, you will ultimately reap the benefits of all the advice, experience and connections.”

Reflecting on her time within Boardroom Apprentice, Martina identified that despite acknowledging the positive impacts the programme had on her as she progressed through the programme, she was ultimately pleasantly surprised by just how quantifiable the success she achieved as a result of it was.

She explained: “I was surprised by how much I had learned from my Host Board and was able to apply and contribute to my team in a way I would not have anticipated at the beginning of the programme.”

Her time on the year-long scheme was unlike anything she could have predicted, with the hands-on approach to her involvement offering unrivalled experiences that she will most definitely be using in the future. 

“The programme was more than I expected and gave more than expected,” she said.

“Not only did I learn all about the Governance and other topics [on the scheme], I gained excellent experience sitting on a very formal Board and was able to see my learning in action with each subsequent Board and Sub-Committee meeting and perusal of board papers.”

Martina encourages everyone to apply for Boardroom Apprentice, regardless of their prior career path, identifying it as an incredible way to boost your insights and skill set for all sectors.

She said: “If you’re thinking about doing it, go for it! You will gain so much.”

Martina also believes it is an invaluable opportunity for anyone looking to become a board member in the future, explaining that the skills each participant gains will help them stand out.

She said: “I believe that having completed the programme any application to become a Board member will be assisted as a result, as apprentices now have a much greater understanding of the expectations of a Board member and also practical experience.”

Overall, Martina’s time as part of Boardroom Apprentice has been nothing short of “excellence”, offering her “practical, real life Board experience combined with a wealth of knowledge imparted in a supportive and enhancing manner.”

Applications for the Boardroom Apprentice 2023 programme open on Monday June 5 and close at 3pm on Monday June 19.

To apply go the Boardroom Apprentice programme go to boardroomapprentice.com/how-to-apply

For more information on Boardroom Apprentice go to boardroomapprentice.com

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