The Welsh Government believes that public bodies should have board members who reflect Welsh society – people from all walks of life – to help them understand people’s needs and make better decisions. 

However, for many boards in Wales, this is not the case with many groups including women, BME and disabled people significantly under-represented. Although progress has been made in recent years in terms of achieving a more appropriate gender balance at Board level, there is still a need to encourage people from a more diverse range of backgrounds and life experiences to apply for and be successful in securing a public appointment.

The Welsh Government and the NHS Centre for Equality and Human Rights have launched a pilot programme to help increase diversity in public appointments and looking for Welsh Blesma Members to get involved. 

This initial pilot is available for up to 18 people from under-represented groups across Wales. The programme of training, development and support will include an opportunity to observe NHS board meetings and shadow board members.

The programme will begin in January 2015 and is expected to run for between nine - twelve months. Interested individuals are required to submit an expression of interest by Monday 8 December 2014. Please download the application form here

If you have any questions about the pilot programme, please contact fairerfuturesmailbox@wales.gsi.gov.uk