On board: how can participation on third sector boards in Scotland be increased, widened and strengthened?
Key to the third sector?s success are the voluntary boards which are responsible for ensuring that third sector organisations are run well. Existing research into third sector boards has found that many experience difficulties recruiting new and appropriately skilled board members, and that trustees are not as representative of the wider population as they could be. A survey of 252 current and former board members was conducted, focussing on motivations, routes to participation, and barriers to participation. The survey also collected demographic data on board diversity. Key findings Some sections of society are currently under-represented on boards. People living in deprived areas and those with lower socio-economic status were significantly under-represented, as were younger people. A number of barriers preventing participation were identified including: negative perceptions of boards, poor recruitment practices, and inadequate support and training.
