A social enterprise has launched a new initiative aimed at increasing the numbers of women from the black and minority ethnic (BAME) community who serve as charity trustees.

The Beyond Suffrage programme, run by the charity accounting and consultancy social enterprise Social Practice ENT, will target BAME women aged 18 to 25.

Participants will be selected following an application and interview process. 

Successful candidates will then take part in the 12-week training programme, as part of a cohort in their city, before being placed on a charity board by Social Practice ENT’s recruitment partner.

The first cohort will be in London, with the next city being selected based on demand from charities.

Two networking events will also be organised, where the participants within a cohort will have the opportunity to meet each other face to face, as well as to network with senior leaders.

Social Practice ENT’s recruitment partner will then complete the process of placing the participants on charity boards. 

Their progress will be monitored and they will be given continued support during their work.

Programme alumni will then go on to become mentors –– acting as visible role models and supporting the next generation of participants.

A Social Practice ENT statement said: “The aim of Beyond Suffrage, is to accelerate progress to achieve gender equality for women of colour at board level, by adopting a measurable long term strategy that focuses on breaking down barriers and creating an organic pipeline of talented young future leaders.”