The UK Boardroom Apprentice Learning and Development Programme has published its 2025 evaluation report, setting out the outcomes from the third UK cohort and outlining the programme’s role in widening access to board roles across the UK.
Founded in 2017 by Eileen Mullan, the Boardroom Apprentice Programme is a unique board learning, development and placement programme which enables those who would like to serve on a public or voluntary sector board to learn and gain the experience that they need to take that step. The programme focuses on creating practical routes by combining structured learning, real boardroom exposure and one-to-one support from experienced board members.
Eileen Mullan said: “The Boardroom Apprentice Programme exists to bridge the gap between aspiration to serve and the reality to do so. Too often, confidence, access and opportunity stand in the way. This programme is about giving people the knowledge, experience and belief that they belong at the board table.”
The programme is structured around three core components. These include a 12-month placement with a host board, a programme of board-focused learning sessions and ongoing support from a dedicated board buddy. Together, these elements are designed to build both technical understanding and practical confidence in real governance environments.
Evaluation findings from the 2025 cohort show strong outcomes across relevance, quality and confidence building. The report shows that 96 per cent of participants rated the programme’s relevance to boardroom settings as excellent or good, with the same proportion rating its ability to build confidence at that level. A further 95 per cent rated the quality of learning days as excellent or good, while 93 per cent said their expectations of the programme were fully met or exceeded.
The evaluation focused specifically on Cohort 3 in 2025, measuring changes in participants’ perceived knowledge, understanding and confidence before and after completing the programme.
Participants reported that they applied to the programme to gain practical boardroom experience, develop confidence, understand governance responsibilities and position themselves for future board and trustee roles. Many also cited a desire to give back to their communities and to translate professional experience into effective board contributions.
Significant improvements were recorded across all core learning areas. Understanding of the internal and external environments in which board members operate increased from 4 per cent pre-programme to 91 per cent post-programme. Understanding of finances increased from 3 per cent to 95 per cent, while understanding of legal responsibilities and duties rose from 6 per cent to 96 per cent. No participants reported leaving the programme without understanding any of the key subject areas.
Confidence measures showed similarly strong gains. There was a 43 per cent increase in participants who strongly agreed they had valuable skills and experience to bring to a board in the immediate future. There was also a 42 per cent increase in those who strongly agreed they were confident to ask questions at meetings and challenge when necessary.
Eileen Mullan said: “What matters most is not just knowledge, but how people feel about using it. We consistently see participants start the programme feeling unsure and leave feeling confident, capable and ready to apply. That shift in mindset is critical if we want boards to reflect the communities they serve.”
The report shows that participants increasingly viewed themselves as board ready by the end of the programme, with many already taking practical steps in making applications. Several participants secured board appointments, directly attributing their readiness and confidence to the programme’s structure and support.
The report also tracks how participants felt throughout the programme. While many described initial nerves and uncertainty, these were replaced by confidence as the programme progressed. Feelings of happiness remained consistent across the learning journey, suggesting sustained engagement rather than short-term confidence boosts.
A total of 342 applications were received for the 2025 Programme, reflecting a wide range of backgrounds. The report states there is no typical Boardroom Apprentice, with eligibility open to anyone over the age of 18. Selection focuses on motivation and commitment rather than background or previous experience.
Of those who applied in 2025, 57 per cent were women, 13 per cent identified as disabled and 42 per cent identified indicators of social mobility. Applicants also represented a wide range of ethnicities and sexual orientations.
Eileen Mullan said: “The results from the 2025 cohort reinforce why this work matters. When people are given the right support, structure and opportunity, they step forward. Boards benefit from fresh perspectives, and individuals gain the confidence to contribute meaningfully to public and voluntary sector leadership.”
The 2025 Report concludes that feedback from the third UK cohort demonstrates the effectiveness of the programme’s structured learning and placement model, with strong evidence of increased knowledge, confidence and readiness for board roles. Recommendations include continuing delivery of the programme to support a sustainable and diverse pipeline of board-ready members and further exploring the integration of virtual and hybrid learning within future cohorts.
For more information on Boardroom Apprentice, go to boardroomapprentice.com. To read the Boardroom Apprentice Learning and Development Programme Report 2025, go to uk-boardroom-apprentice-report.webflow.io.
Issued by Excalibur Press on behalf of Boardroom Apprentice
For more information, please contact Tina Calder, Excalibur Press, 07305354209, [email protected]
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