Driving Diversity in the Digital Era

Black Talent on Boards

The need for diversity, inclusion, and representation is imperative in decision-making spaces. Initiatives have emerged to address the underrepresentation of diverse voices in leadership positions.

In this article, we delve into the empowering journey offered by the DataKirk under its Accelerate BLK project, Black Talent on Boards. Their aim is to empower Black talent, promote diversity, and drive inclusion in board positions in both corporate organisations and charities.

Adebola Adedoyin from Accelerate BLK shed light on this program. By empowering individuals from underrepresented backgrounds with leadership skills, Black Talent on Boards strives to create a more inclusive and representative environment where diverse voices can contribute to decision-making processes.

The Birth of Accelerate BLK and Black Talent on Boards

The AccelerateBLK project is a ground-breaking initiative aimed at accelerating the career growth and success of Black talents and entrepreneurs in Scotland through capacity-building programmes.

Accelerate BLK a three-armed project designed to support Black talents and entrepreneurs in Scotland to overcome the barriers they face and unlock their potential for success.

Recognising the need for targeted assistance, the Black Talent on Boards programme was designed to address this disparity by providing career accelerator programs, entrepreneurship training and their board member training.

Training Programme Approach

The Black Talent on Boards initiative focuses on promoting diversity and inclusion across various types of boards, including those in charities, businesses, and private organisations. The program primarily offers training to individuals aspiring to join boards, but it also extends its support to organisations seeking to train Black talent already within their ranks.

Black Talent on Board goes beyond the classroom by having learners The programme emphasises key skills such as digital literacy, tech expertise, leadership, governance, and oversight.

Next steps: Joining a Board

Once an individual has been through the Black Talent On Boards programme, what are their next steps? Third Sector Lab runs an initiative called Digital Trustees, which facilitates the recruitment of individuals with data, digital and design skills to charity boards.

Through monthly matchmaking events, Third Sector Lab creates a space for potential trustees and charity representatives to share what they’re looking for.

Third Sector Lab is looking to work with Black Talent on Boards to facilitate candidates from their programme with digital skills to join the boards of charities. Unsure of what kinds of skills charities are looking for? Check out our Digital Trustee profiles.

By recruiting trustees with diverse skillsets and diverse backgrounds, charity boards can make better decisions that reflect the communities they help, and the digital world they live in.

Our next Digital Trustees Matchmaking Event is in partnership with Action for Trustee Racial Diversity. It will be held on zoom on Thursday 22nd June, 10-11am. Here is the link to register.