14 January 2022
Summary:At a ‘virtual’ awards ceremony held on Tuesday, a group of MTVH colleagues celebrated their graduation from the ‘Black on Board’ diversity programme.
Graduates from MTVH completing the ‘Black on Board’ diversity programme were celebrated at a ‘virtual’ awards ceremony held on Tuesday when they were presented with awards in recognition of their achievements.
‘Black on Board’ is delivered by race equality charity Olmec with the mission of improving diversity by increasing the representation of BAME people on board level. Currently although BAME people make up 14% of the population in the UK they only account for 2% of board positions. ‘Black on Board’ aims to redress this balance and improve racial diversity at senior level in different organisations.
The part time course is open to MTVH employees at all stages in their careers and nearly 75% of ‘Black on Board’ participants have earned positions on company boards or been promoted following their training. This is the third MTVH cohort to graduate the programme, reflecting our strong commitment towards encouraging diversity and inclusion at all levels.
Participants at Tuesday’s event from MTVH included Kajal Kothari, who since graduating from ‘Black on Board’ has been appointed to the Diversifying Arts Boards in Southwark programme and will be joining an arts organisation as a Special Independent Director in April. Other graduates present included Gold Miller, who has been appointed to the Public Interest Law Centre.
One of the award winners, graduate Christopher Harris from MTVH said, “This course really gets under the bonnet of the issues and gives you the tools you need. I successfully applied to the Diversifying Arts Boards in Southwark programme and will take up a board position in April. I am working on a second application to a get onto a cricket board.”
Geeta Nanda, Chief Executive at MTVH said, “We are delighted to once again participate in the Black on Board programme and offer congratulations to all the candidates graduating today.
“At MTVH we are proud that our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion are central to our organisation. They reflect our proud legacy and are key to our identity today.
“MTVH greatly benefits from having an inclusive and diverse workforce at every level of seniority. The business case for this is compelling and we believe that today’s Black on Board graduates will be the leaders of tomorrow. We also look forward to seeing many more successful outcomes for the colleagues and customers participating in this excellent programme.”
John Mayford, Chief Executive at Olmec, said, “It is vital for the health of our communities that decision-makers reflect the diversity of our communities. By 2030, 30% of the UK population is expected to be a ‘person of colour’. There is increasing evidence that boards reflecting our communities makes good business sense. The success of Black on Board so far shows that it’s a really useful course for delegates, for both their own career development and an effective way of promoting race equality in society as a whole.”
Tuesday’s event concluded with poetry from graduates who joined the 100 Great Black Women project, including Fatma Abbas Sufi, who said “I cannot recommend this programme enough. I have a board position, but Black on Board improved the way I see things. The support from delegates and the trainers is fantastic. It feels like a family.”