Applications for OnBoard Cohort 6 are open!
A group of professionals gathered around a large table during a workshop or board-style training session, with a facilitator presenting at the front.
If you’ve ever thought about joining a board but weren’t sure where to start, the OnBoard Programme is designed for you.
We’re excited to announce that applications for Cohort 6 of OnBoard are now open. Running from April to October, the programme supports people in the first ten years of their career to build the skills, confidence and connections needed to step into trustee and board roles.
Whether you’re completely new to governance or just beginning to explore board opportunities, OnBoard helps you take that next step.
What you’ll gain from the programme
Over course of the programme, participants receive:
Expert-led governance training to build your knowledge and confidence
One-to-one mentoring from experienced board professionals
Networking opportunities with peers, alumni and sector leaders
Exposure to board roles and practical insight into how boards work
The programme is completely free and designed to fit around your existing work and commitments.
Who should apply?
OnBoard is open to people from all professional and life backgrounds who:
Are in the first ten years of their career
Are interested in becoming a trustee or board member
Want to develop their leadership and governance skills
Can commit to participating alongside their current role
You don’t need prior board experience, just curiosity, motivation and a willingness to learn.
Workshop dates:
Workshop 1 - 21 Apr 2026: 6:30pm-9pm (In person)
Workshop 2 - 19 May 2026: 6pm-8pm (Virtual)
Workshop 3 - 16 Jun 2026: 6pm-8pm (Virtual)
Workshop 4 - 21 Jul 2026: 6pm-8pm (Virtual)
Workshop 5 - 8 Sep 2026: 6pm-8pm (Virtual)
Workshop 6 - 6 Oct 2026: 6:30pm-9pm (In person)
We will pay reasonable expenses for anyone travelling to the in person workshops from outside of London. For the virtual workshops you will need access to Zoom as they will be interactive as opposed to lecture style.
Depending on the content for each workshop, there will be some pre and post-reading and homework (it should take no longer than 3 hours per session).
Mentoring
At the start of the programme, you will be matched with two different mentors:
one who is an experienced board member and
one who is an experienced recruiter in this space.
We estimate that you will spend at least one hour together with each mentor in between each workshop (a total of 10 hours) but this could be longer, depending on how you and your mentors choose to work together.
Apply here: www.eu.research.net/r/OBP6
Deadline: 18 March at 23:59
If you have any questions about the programme, you can contact us at hello@onboardprogramme.com.