The IDEA Board Experience Programme aims to support University of Oxford researchers and staff, who identify as women and non-binary, into the boardroom.
Want to be a host board?Β We have a few places still open. . .
Fill in our short application and we will get back to you.
IDEA will help match up to 20 board apprentices with companies associated with the University of Oxford. Between September 2021-August 2022, apprentices will gain first-hand experience of the boardroom by observing the dynamics and processes of the boardroom. The host companies work in diverse areas, including science and technology, and may be associated with Oxford University Innovation, Oxford Sciences Innovation and the Creative Destruction Lab-Oxford.Β
IDEA Board Experience Programme is a pilot programme which aims to enhance the gender balance and diversity of boardroom leadership of University of Oxford companies. IDEA is helping companies at the University of Oxford work towards gender balance and provides researchers and staff who identify as women with the direct, high-quality boardroom experience they need to further their careers.β―Β
The IDEA Board Experience Programme will be delivered in partnership with Women on Boards and Board Apprentice.
The programme is now closed for apprentice applications.
Want to be an apprentice?
Read our FAQ’s:
- Who can apply and what are the benefits?Β
- What is the programme looking for in apprentices?
- What is the application process?
- What is the timeframe for applications?
- What is the time commitment for the programme?
If you have further questions, you can contact the IDEA team at the University of Oxford on idea@admin.ox.ac.uk. If you want to stay up-to-date with IDEA,Β sign upΒ to the IDEA mailing listΒ or join our IDEAΒ LinkedIn groupΒ and weβll keep you informed about upcoming opportunities and events.β―Β Β
Who can apply for the IDEA Board Experience Programme?
- Be a member of research or professional services staff at the University of Oxford.Β Please note that IDEA will prioritise staff of the University of Oxford for the IDEA Board Experience Programme and will only consider applications by DPhil students if we have spaces available on the programme.Β You will need to apply for the programme using a University of Oxford email address.
- Have an employment contract with the University of Oxford until August 2022, at minimum.Β If you are a DPhil student, you must still be working on your DPhil until August 2022.
- Have the consent of your line manager or PI to participate in the IDEA Board Experience Programme.
- Be available for two compulsory induction workshops run by IDEA and Women on Boards on 13th October 2021 (1-3pm BST) and 3rd November 2021 (1-2pm BST).
- Be available to attend boardroom meetings on scheduled dates set by the host company.
What are the benefits of the IDEA Board Experience Programme?
Successful apprentices will:Β
- Observe and attend boardroom meetings at a company. As part of this experience, apprentices may receive board packs and meeting notices and will be expected to attend all meetings for one year (between November 2021-August 2022).Β
- Gain access to a range of webinars explaining practical implementation of governance best practice at board level. This includes a dedicated set of workshops facilitated by Women on Boards, and dedicated training and support for women at the beginning of their board careers.Β
- Develop the insight, knowledge, and leadership skills to develop their boardroom careers.Β
- Develop a network of mentors, including boardroom leaders, who may provide sector-specific advice and support for apprentices.Β
IDEA will provide apprentices with a certificate at the end of the apprentice year, confirming their role as a Board Apprentice and the board on which they sat.Β
Please note that success at assessment stage does not guarantee an apprentice on one of our host companies. Host organisations make the final decision of board apprenticeships according to their requirements and capacity.β―Β
What is the programme looking for in apprentices?
The IDEA Board Experience Programme aims to grow and diversify boardrooms of the future. IDEA does not expect apprentices to have experience in the boardroom. The Board Experience Programme will help apprentices develop the qualities and experiences needed to work as part of a company board.β―Β
The application process will ask you to outline:β―Β
- Your interest in the Board Experience Programme.Β
- Your future career goals and ambitions.Β
- Your ability to commit to the IDEA Board Experience and all required workshops and boardroom meetings (listed below).
What is the application process for the IDEA Board Experience Programme?Β
To apply to be an IDEA Board Apprentice, you will need to complete the IDEA Apprentice Candidate Application forms. This form requires:Β
- β―Responses to questions focusing on your leadership style and areas of expertise.Β
- A professional biography (250 words). Please read IDEA’s ‘How to Write A Bio’ Guidance’ to help you write this biography.
- An updated CV with details of your education and work experience.Β
The IDEA Apprentice Candidate Application form is available on Microsoft Forms via the button below.
Apply Now: Deadline 30th September 2021 (11:59pm)
You can also complete a Microsoft Word application form. Please complete and send with your two page CV to the IDEA email address: idea@admin.ox.ac.uk
You can preview the application questions on our dedicated webpage with Board Experience Application Guidance.
The application form is accessible with your University of Oxford Single Sign-On password. If you have any problems accessing the form, please contact IDEA on idea@admin.ox.ac.uk.
What is the timeframe for the IDEA Board Experience Programme application process?
The IDEA Board Experience Programme is divided into five stages:Β
1. Application Stage: You will submit the IDEA Board Experience Candidate Application form via Microsoft Teams (Deadline: 30th September 2021).
2. Assessment Stage: Your application will be reviewed by an internal assessment panel within IDEA. The panel will assess your suitability for the Programme and confirm whether your application has been approved for the Selection Stage (Outcome: week commencing 4th October 2021).β― Please note that success at assessment stage does not guarantee an apprentice on one of our host companies.. Host organisations make the final decision of board apprenticeships according to their requirements and capacity.
3. Selection Stage: Your application will be reviewed by our participating host boards of companies associated with the University of Oxford. They will assess according their own criteria and invite select applicants to interview. The majority of these interviews will have taken place by 15th October 2021.
4. Appointment Stage: Applicants who have been successful at interview will be invited to be the board apprentice for host boards associated with the University of Oxford. The majority of appointments will be made by the end of October 2021 (although start dates will vary according to the needs of the host companies).
All successful applicants will be offered a place on theβ―IDEA Board Experience Induction Workshop (WednesdayΒ 13th October 2021, 1pm-3pm). This workshop is likely to take place before successful applicants have confirmed their apprentice with a host board. An place on this workshop does not guarantee an apprentice on one of our host companies. Host organisations will be making decisions according to their requirements and capacity.
What is the time commitment for the IDEA Board Experience Programme?
If you are successfully appointed as a Board Experience Apprentice, you will be required to undertake Governance Training hosted by Board Apprentice (to be completed online at the apprentice’s own convenience by the end of December 2021) and to attend two training workshops on the following dates: Β
β―IDEA Board Experience Induction Workshop (WednesdayΒ 13th OctoberΒ 2021, 1pm-3pm)
This induction workshop has been designed by Women on Boards for successful applicants to the IDEA Board Experience Programme and will provide an overview of the key resources and information that applicants will need in their roles as Board Apprentices.Β
IDEA Board Experience Check-in Workshop (Wednesday 3rd November 2021, 1pm-2pm)
This check-in workshop has been designedΒ by Women on Boards for successful applicants to the IDEA Board Experience Programme and will provide an opportunity for Board Apprentices to reflect on their first weeks on the programme and an opportunity to network with other Board ApprenticesΒ
Β All Board Apprentices will participate in board meetings of host companies. They will be required to be available to attend meetings at mutually agreed dates between November 2021-August 2022.Β
Apply Now: Deadline 30th September 2021 (11:59pm)
You can also complete a Microsoft Word application form. Please complete and send with your two page CV to the IDEA email address: idea@admin.ox.ac.uk
The application form is accessible with your University of Oxford Single Sign-On password. If you have any problems accessing the form, please contact IDEA on idea@admin.ox.ac.uk.
Want to get in touch with IDEA?Β
You can contact the IDEA team at the University of Oxford on idea@admin.ox.ac.uk. If you want to stay up-to-date with IDEA,Β sign upΒ to the IDEA mailing listΒ or join our IDEAΒ LinkedIn groupΒ and weβll keep you informed about upcoming opportunities and events.β―Β Β
Enterprising Oxford is a University of Oxford initiative to help connect people to the entrepreneurship resources they need, and to promote entrepreneurship across Oxfordshire.
Sign up for our newsletter