Impact: Board Leadership for Change

Closing date: Monday 30 November, 5pm

Duration:  12 months

Programme start date: February 2027

Ready to take the next step into board leadership in film, TV or cinema? This 12-month programme is designed for mid- to senior-level professionals looking to develop their governance skills and make a difference at board level.

Boards play a vital role in shaping the organisations that fund, produce and bring stories to our screens. Yet Black and Global Majority professionals remain underrepresented in senior leadership across the UK film, TV and cinema industries. Through Impact: Board Leadership for Change, you’ll learn from serving trustees and non-executive directors, observe a board meeting and connect with a cohort of peers who share your ambition to lead.

About Creative Access

Creative Access is the leading organisation working to create equity, diversity and inclusion in the UK creative industries. We provide career-long access, opportunities, support and training to make the creative industries better reflect society. Our mission is to break down the barriers faced by those from historically under-represented groups to accessing and building careers.  

Impact: Board Leadership for Change

Impact: Board Leadership for Change is a new in-depth, pan-UK governance training, mentoring and network programme designed to address the lack of Black and Global Majority representation at board level in the film, TV and cinema industry. The project will deliver a structured, year-long leadership and governance programme that equips Black, Asian and ethnically diverse mid-senior level professionals with the upskilling, experience and networks needed to progress into board and governance roles across the UK film, TV and cinema sector.

Elements of the programme  

• Skills development: develop core governance skills over the course of 6 evening sessions
• Board experience: be mentored by a current trustee/non-executive director in line with your interests, plus shadowing opportunities to attend a working board meeting
• Building out networks and opportunities: facilitated introductions and exposure to board opportunities

What you’ll gain

• Knowledge of the management and governance of a Community Interest Company (CIC), charity or limited company, and an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a trustee or Non-Executive Director (NED)
• Personal and professional development in line with your interests and career aspirations
• The opportunity to meet and be mentored by senior non-executive directors in the creative industries 
• Develop a professional network of trustees or prospective trustees
• Support with identifying and applying for non-executive board/trustee positions 
• Further development of a leadership and governance mindset

What we ask of you

By accepting a place on the programme, you are committing to attend several Tuesday evening sessions and to participate fully in the learning and activities, including mentoring, from February to November 2027.

Each place represents an investment in your development. We ask you to set aside time for any preparation, reflection and tasks between sessions, and to contribute to a supportive learning environment for your fellow participants.

If you anticipate any barriers to participation, including access requirements, caring responsibilities or work commitments, please discuss these with us before accepting your place so that we can explore appropriate support.

This programme is designed for those who:

• Are Black, Asian and ethnically diverse mid-to-senior-level professionals with an interest in leadership and governance in the film, TV and cinema industry, with aspirations to become a trustee or non-executive director in the future
• Are interested in joining a board within the creative industries, including a charity, not-for-profit organisation, community interest company or limited company
• Have at least five years’ experience, or equivalent insight gained through exposure to different organisations, with a breadth and depth of knowledge that can be applied across different contexts
• Want to develop their understanding of the role of a trustee or non-executive director, and receive support to access relevant board positions
• Would value connecting with other current and prospective trustees
• Are committed to participating in the 12-month programme, including attending several Tuesday evening sessions from February to November 2027
• Are willing to engage positively with a mentor on a monthly basis for six months
• Are committed to shadowing a board as part of their development

To apply

Log in to your Creative Access account or register today to apply for this opportunity. Upload your CV and cover letter as one document. Please outline:

• your motivations for applying
• what you hope to get out of being part of the programme
• any areas of expertise that you can bring to the group

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to take part in an informal online ‘get-to-know-you' group interview opportunity on one of the following dates to assess suitability:

• Monday, 14th December 18.30 - 20:00, via Zoom OR
• Tuesday, 15th December 18.30 - 20:00, via Zoom

Please pencil these dates in your diary if applying and let us know within your application if you are unavailable on either of the above. Once submitted, you can no longer amend your application, so proof-read carefully.

For any queries about the role, or if you would prefer to submit your application in an alternative format, such as a video or audio recording, please contact the Thrive team via programmes@creativeaccess.org.uk

This opportunity is open to Black, Asian and ethnically diverse professionals currently working in, or aspiring to work in, the UK film, TV and cinema industries who are under-represented in leadership and governance roles. This programme is funded by Reel Impact, which exists to support a more inclusive, equitable and anti-racist film and TV industry.