Reflections on the About Time experience from participants of the About Time course, November 2009

“I applied to the About Time programme to see if I could get a steer on improving my chances of securing a national level public appointment as a non executive director. I had the experience, a good CV and well honed interview skills but still didn’t understand why it wasn’t working. The two day session with like minded and capable people was a real eye opener.

I gained many new perspectives about motivations of those applying for these roles, what each individual has to offer and how each could add value to a board mix. I myself was surprised that by digging deep into my own past I discovered far more skills and value which I could offer than I had given myself credit for, and this greatly enhanced my self confidence. I realise now how far I was from being ready to take on a more senior role before the programme and how much better prepared and ready I am now.”

Cha Patel, Director, Igloo Consultants Ltd

“Attending the About Time programme did three important things for me. Firstly the safe environment allowed me the space to discuss issues that I had not been able to address confidently before, secondly the high calibre of presentations demystified areas of boards and public appointments which I had previously been uncertain of, and thirdly provided me with a firm basis to strategise for my non-executive career.”

Lawrence Stewart, Managing Director, Croydon People’s Housing Association

“About Time proved invaluable in bringing me away from the day job to explore and reflect on governance in public life and my own skills, motivations, strengths, weaknesses and opportunities.  The self learning approach was important, but the turning point was the learning from my peers, the other participants, the diverse range of opinions, experiences that they brought to share, explore and discuss.

The external backdrop of media scrutiny and members of public questioning conduct, albeit in relation to MPs expenses, could not have been anymore timely or pertinent in providing relevance and focusing my mind on engagement with the seven principles in public life.

For me the Programme delivered on all objectives, I have gained a much better and deeper understanding of NED roles, the application and selection process, the skills needed, and I can now better consider the stepping stones for me to move towards a regional or national public board position when I choose to do so. Getting involved in community has always been important to me, especially opportunity to make a difference and driving change for others. Having completing the About Time programme I hope I can be more effective and continue to play a small in adding value and helping others.  Moving forwards, the programme has galvanised my conviction in the Proverb ‘Opportunity doesn’t knock. You knock, opportunity answers’.”

Farooq Mohammed, New Business Director, Kier

“Having been a Non Executive Director and / or Chairman of local and regional organisations for over 11 years, ranging from small £250K SME’s to £300m NHS organisations, I thought it time to consider Non Executive Director roles in larger regional or national organisations.

I was aware that Common Purpose was about to launch a new programme specifically focused at leaders like me, who wished to understand the more complex dynamics associated with national organisations. This was the ‘About Time’ programme.

The intensive two day programme was excellent, meeting, if not exceeding, my expectations and addressing all of my aims. The core NED duties are identical in national, regional and local organisations, however national organisations will have greater complexity, particularly with regard to political interest, media interest, impact of decisions, and the general ‘spot light’ on the organisation. A diverse group of participants were on the programme, together with influential guest speakers, thereby addressing the networking aims of the programme.

I found the Common Purpose ‘About Time’ programme to be an excellent event, which I am sure will be beneficial to my growth as a Non Executive Director in the national arena. I would recommend this programme.”

Brian Hetherington, Senior Engineering Manager, BAE Systems

“Despite various attempts at robust introspection I was still left scratching my head as to what direction I was heading in with regard to board roles at larger organisations, both in terms of what opportunities were out there, the gaps I had in my experience and knowledge and what routes were available for me to get there. Having had plenty of positive interactions with Common Purpose already, hearing about the creation of the About Time programme was encouraging news as it sounded like something that would help me shine a brighter light on the questions I’d been asking myself. I was all the more pleased when I was the mix of people I’d be sharing the experience with, from myriad backgrounds, with various levels of experience but with similar questions and queries as those I’d been considering.

Thankfully what I’d imagined would happen in theory turned out to be even better in practice. In addition to being offered a healthy refresher on the fundamentals of board level roles, we were provided with exposure to senior representatives of a range of well known institutions who were happy, under Chatham House Rules to help us gain from their experiences. These ranged from crisis management, motivations and challenges for the non-executive or chair at a large public body. Coupled with plenty of time to build relationships with other course participants with further opportunities to learn from a share personal experiences it was subject matter immersion at its best.”

Russell Lyseight, Portfolio Manager, Barclays Plc