Heritage Trust Network have been paired with Dr Fabienne Palmer as part of Board Racial Diversity UK’s Pathways to Trusteeship programme.
Action for Trustee Racial Diversity (now a registered charity, Board Racial Diversity UK) exists to improve the racial diversity of not-for-profit trustee boards and governing bodies in order to reflect the proportion of minoritised ethnic individuals in the UK.
Only 8% of trustees of UK charities are from Black and Asian backgrounds, despite making up 14% of the population in England and Wales, and less than 3% of all charity trustees are under 30.
Boards will never be truly diverse and inclusive until the face of their leadership changes and the people at the top – trustees, governors and particularly Chairs – are more representative of the people they support and can bring their diverse experiences and perspectives to the table.
Following a consultation with its target group, Board Racial Diversity UK have designed a new programme – Pathways to Trusteeship – aimed at increasing awareness, understanding, and representation of trusteeship among young people from Black, Asian, and minoritised ethnic communities. The programme pairs 18-35 year olds with host organisations, provides practical experience, mentoring, and leadership training to prepare them for governance roles.
Heritage Trust Network is proud to announce its participation in the Pathways to Trusteeship programme. As part of this innovative pilot, we have been matched with a talented young individual, Dr. Fabienne Palmer, who will shadow our board over the next 10 months.
We will facilitate:
· First-hand insights into the role of trustees and the responsibilities of governing a charity
· The opportunity to observe and engage in all board meetings and activities
· The support of a designated Board Mentor who will share their expertise and experiences
Board Racial Diversity UK will additionally take the participants through a series of training sessions to help develop their leadership skills and their understanding of governance.
About Dr. Palmer:
Dr. Fabienne Palmer is an experienced Clinical Psychologist, Head of Equity and Inclusion, and Programme Manager specialising in trauma, system-wide transformation, well-being, health equity, social justice, and anti-racism. She holds experience of working at all levels of the system, across corporate, public, and third sectors, and she excels in working creatively and collaboratively with diverse communities and complex systems.
Currently participating as a Young Trustee mentored by the Heritage Trust Network through the Pathway to Trustees Programme offered by Action for Trustee Racial Diversity UK, Dr. Palmer is excited to contribute her expertise to the heritage sector. Her passion for community, liberation, and social justice aligns with the mission of promoting racial diversity within trustee boards. She looks forward to engaging with heritage projects, learning from her experienced mentor, Michael Guy, and driving positive change through inclusive leadership and innovation.
Heritage Trust Network are excited to be working with Dr. Palmer and welcoming her to our board as the newest trustee.
