Inaugural Diverse Directors Programme Success
The final session of the inaugural Diverse Directors Programme took part in January 2024.
The first DDP cohort, supported jointly by Start Codon and RBW Consulting, got together one final time in January, for a mock board day. The session took participants through four real-to-life scenarios, so they could put everything they’ve learned from the programme into practice.
It was a fantastic final in-person day for the programme and a lot of people were involved in making it happen.
Immense gratitude goes to event hosts Axon Communications, who gave the group use of their space on the riverside in London. The day also wouldn't have been possible without the Mock Board ‘actors’ - Ralph Sutton, Audrey Raymond, Damian Barron, Uzma Choudry and Alastair Smith, who took part alongside Emma Thorp and Start Codon's Emma Plowman and Jennie Redstall. All of our experts pulled on their own experiences to bring the scenarios to life.
As this first cohort draws to a close, Emma Thorp - DDP Co-Founder - expressed gratitude to those who made it possible: "We're so grateful to our pilot cohort supporters, with a special thank you to our headline supporters RBW Consulting and Start Codon who helped turn the idea of a programme into a reality. It wouldn't have been possible without their backing.
"We'd also like to thank all of our pilot programme participants who gave this programme its beating heart. They brought talent, authenticity and energy to every one of the sessions the programme had to offer."
Emma Plowman, DDP Co-Founder and Start Codon Talent Director continued: "We've had so many brilliant people and organisations come forward to help support our pilot Diverse Directors Programme. They have all shared their knowledge and experience openly with the individuals on the programme, which has been invaluable.
"We're delighted to see the feedback from participants highlight how valuable the programme has been, and we're excited to build on this as we continue to plan for Cohort 2."
Programme participant, Suzanne Pavon, said: “This has been one of the best development experiences I’ve ever had, not just because of the content and expertise that’s been brought in, but in large part due to the community the DDP team has created.”
The DDP team plans to share the application process for a second cohort in Spring 2024, so please follow the DDP LinkedIn page to be kept in the loop.
If you're an organisation interested in supporting future programmes please get in touch by emailing us at: hello@diversedirectorsprogramme.co.uk