Heidi’s commitment and passion for developing a non-executive career shone through when she applied to our Bursary programme early this year. We were incredibly excited to hear that just a few months later she has secured a fantastic Chair role with an arts charity.
We caught up with Heidi to find out how our support has helped her and to hear more about her new role as Chair at Benslow Music.
What motivated you to apply for the bursary?
I first heard about the organisation ten years ago when a colleague took on a non-executive role and have followed the company since. I was intrigued but hesitated to join because I thought I was too young, which, on some levels, was ridiculous because I was already on a local school board.
When I saw the bursary opportunity advertised on International Women’s Day, I realised I qualified as I was earning under £30k as a part-time teacher. Excited about the prospect, I put together my application really quickly; I applied two days later!
I was thrilled to hear that whilst I wasn’t awarded the full bursary, I received an additional award due to the strength of my application. Soon after, I set up my profile and signed up for networking events – no time wasting.
How have you found your experience as a member?
I’ve greatly enjoyed being a member; being part of the network is incredibly valuable because I can meet people and hear about their experiences. One particularly valuable resource has been the Vacancy Board. It’s well-curated, and I can easily sort through the listings and flag roles that interest me.
It’s encouraging to see organisations advertising on the Vacancy Board actively seeking female board members and committed to transparent recruitment outside their (or their headhunter’s) established networks.
The variety of roles being advertised is really helpful, as they don’t feel out of reach. But you still have to put in the effort! You may have accomplished a lot in one field, but if you want to establish yourself in another, you won’t necessarily find immediate opportunities unless you already have significant recognition. This platform allows me to gradually build my way into a new area.
Tell us more about your role.
I’m the new Chair at Benslow Music, a charity founded in 1929 that inspires musicians of all ages and abilities to develop and express creativity. I saw the role on the Vacancy Board 2 or 3 days before the deadline, and I wonder if sometimes it’s better that way – if I was going to spend my Sunday afternoon writing an application, I better be keen on it! I just got on with it, which perhaps made my application more heartfelt.
I initially applied to be a trustee but was later informed that the current Chair was stepping down and was invited to be considered for that position. I booked a pre-interview preparation session with Rachel, which was helpful to explore if I wanted to take on the role and to frame my due diligence rather than simply focusing on practising my answers. Becoming Chair felt like a vertical takeoff as I jumped straight in. I’ve got a lot to learn, but I’m looking forward to growing in the role.
Do you think applying for the bursary was the right decision?
Absolutely! Applying for the bursary opened a door for me. I plan to stay with the network once my Bursary membership ends, as I understand the value of being part of a network and receiving support, especially as a career changer. It made sense to me to join Women on Boards to support this part of my journey. I highly recommend applying for the bursary as it connects you with individuals who share similar experiences and thought processes and provides a valuable support network and access to advice.
What advice would you give others starting their NED journey?
Consider what interests you and where you can add value. Aim to make the board think, ‘This person is genuinely interested in what we do, and we can see them in the role.’ Networking is crucial, so make your intentions known to others; you never know what connections they might have that could help you.
Volunteering as a school governor, treasurer, or in a similar local position is a great way to gain insight into the role. You need to align your ambitions with your experience; if you’re waiting for a paid role, you’ll need to be known for your non-executive work. Some may find success quickly because they’re well-known in their field, but for most of us, it’s about gradually building experience before gaining recognition. The key is to start somewhere!
Your next steps…
Want to have your own success story? Follow in Heidi’s footsteps and find your next role on our Vacancy Board.
Not a member yet? Access the secret sauce to success by joining our community today.