On Thursday and Friday of last week, 25 aspiring non-execs from across the country gathered at the Anchor Trust offices in Covent Garden for an inspiring two days exploring good governance, the board dynamic, the skills they would need as non-execs, and took time away from their day-to-day commitments to examine where they were on their non-exec journeys and where they wanted to be.

From quizzing a variety of experienced non-executives, to being quizzed themselves in a series of mock interviews and application writing workshops, the participants left inspired and motivated, and raring to find new opportunities for themselves. The feedback we received for the programme was unanimously glowing, and we’re obviously delighted with how it turned out.

We’d like to say a huge thank you to all the contributors and participants for helping to make the programme such a valuable experience, and also to the Anchor Trust for the great venue.

If you’re interested in participating in the next About Time programme, we’re currently accepting applications for the next programme, which will run on the 25 & 26 March 2010.

People have a whole host of motivations for taking on non-exec roles. For the curious a non-exec role can provide a great opportunity to see how different spheres and sectors operate, and to move in circles different to their full-time employment.

Others are passionately committed to their communities, and see a board appointment as a way of contributing and giving something back. Some feel things should be done differently, and take on a non-exec role to have a say in the decision making process. Some see it as a great outlet for the skills and expertise they’ve acquired in other areas, and others as a fantastic way to acquire some new skills and hone new ways of working.

Some non-exec roles come with levels of remuneration which is certainly a motivation for some, but a huge number, especially of local roles, are done on a wholly voluntary basis.

The Common Purpose survey asked what are the motivations behind your involvement in public life, 43% of respondents saw benefitting their community as the main benefit of holding a public appointment, and a further 37% felt that involvement would benefit society. This compared with 10% replying ‘developing my skills’, and 7% ‘enhancing my career’. These statistics suggests a engagement driven more by societal than individual outcomes.

What do you think? What were your main motivations in applying for and holding non-exec roles?