To help demystify these roles and encourage broader participation, Community Southwark runs a free training programme, Building Board Brilliance, twice a year. This initiative is designed to introduce participants to the essentials of nonprofit governance, support them in finding their first nonprofit Board position, and empower them to thrive in it.
The programme aims to demonstrate that governance roles are accessible and meaningful opportunities for everyone – and it has proven results: 100% of participants felt that their understanding of strong nonprofit governance increased, and 20% of the prospective Board members from the first cohort in late 2025 had already joined a Board within three months of completing the programme.
Taking on a Trustee role also provides an excellent opportunity to utilise employer-supported volunteering days, allowing individuals to make a tangible and lasting difference to a cause they are passionate about.
Programme dates:
- Wednesday 10th June, 9:30am–12pm, in-person – What is governance?
- Wednesday 17th June, 4:45pm–7pm, in-person – Settling into a Board role
- Wednesday 24th June, 4:45pm–7pm, in-person – Developing as a Board member
- Wednesday 1st July, 4:45pm–7pm, in-person – Becoming a Board member
- Wednesday 8th July, 9:30am–12:30pm, in-person with lunch – Networking and next steps
- Those wishing to learn more and express interest in joining the summer cohort can visit Community Southwark’s website.
To help spread the word, Community Southwark can provide a ready-to-use email template with further details for those wishing to share this opportunity with colleagues. To request the template or ask any questions, they can be contacted at avi@communitysouthwark.org.