Professional associations are led (governed) through formal structures made up of members and non- members who provide strategic leadership and direction for our organisations and the professions we represent. It is widely recognised that diversity at the most senior levels of organisations helps improve the way they are run and managed. Increasing diversity within the governance of our professional associations (i.e. our Board/ Council and Committee structures) is essential for boards to stay informed and responsive and to navigate the fast-paced and complex changes facing the association sector. Boards whose members have different backgrounds and experience are more likely to encourage debate and to make better decisions.
It is recognised that our associations have overwhelming gender and racial bias and do not represent our professions. The Allied Health Professions Federation is committed to making improvements in the governance of all its member associations and is funding access to a leadership programme which will support members to take on strategic leadership roles within their professional association. This programme covers strategic corporate issues such as finance, governance, leadership skills, risk management and many other aspects that will help prepare you to become more involved in your association.
We are now recruiting members to join the programme from early 2022. The programme is free to successful applicants. The time commitment is estimated to be around 50-60 hours spread over approximately a 6 month period. There will be mainly online learning with others, some of it during the week, but expectation that some of the learning is self-directed in your own time.
There will be core modules that you will be required to attend and the dates for these will be advertised on the AHPF website shortly.
We welcome applications from Allied Health Professionals but we especially welcome members from black and minority ethnic groups, LGBTQI+ communities as well as members with disabilities.
To apply, please send a letter of application addressing:
- Which profession you come from and confirming you are a member of your professional association
- Why you want to complete this programme
- What you would like to contribute to your professional association, when you have completed the Programme.
To find further information about the programme please visit the AHPF website www.ahpf.org.uk
Letters of application must be received by Tuesday 30 November 2021 and sent to [email protected]
Please note that this programme is not intended to support AHPs in their professional clinical careers but will focus on how they can contribute to their professional association.