Our NED Development Programme is designed to do one thing well: connect capable professionals with organisations where they can make a genuine difference.
A recent collaboration with Bright Beginnings shows exactly how powerful that can be.
Bright Beginnings is a Guernsey charity supporting families and young children through its Children’s Centre and wider community services. Like many third sector organisations, its board brings together a broad range of experience, but there are always opportunities to strengthen and diversify skills.
Through the programme, they connected with James Marshall, Co-Founder of product design agency Spinning Fox, who joined initially as a participant.
From the outset, the value was clear.
“It was clear that the programme had connected us with someone who brought skills we did not have around the table,” says Rachel Copeland, Chair of Bright Beginnings.
James’s background in technology quickly opened up new conversations around AI, social media and fundraising, areas increasingly important to charities looking to evolve and grow their impact.
What made the difference was the way the programme facilitated the connection.
Rather than a formal placement process, both sides were given the space to explore the opportunity informally first.
“We met James informally… that unhurried approach meant that by the time he joined, he already felt part of the family.”
For James, that flexibility was equally important. Without pressure to step into a predefined role, he was able to find the right fit for his skills and interests.
“The GTA never pushed me towards a particular role. Instead, they gave me the space to meet people, explore different organisations and make my own decision.”
Once in place, the experience was structured and purposeful. Through mentoring and the NED Development tracker, James was able to reflect on his progress while contributing from day one.
“The board wanted me to participate from day one, not simply to observe.”
Beyond personal development, the placement offered something more meaningful: the opportunity to apply professional expertise in a different context, alongside a board with diverse commercial and governance experience.
The outcome speaks for itself.
Following his time on the programme, James was invited to become a permanent member of the Bright Beginnings board, demonstrating the real, long-term value the programme is designed to create.
For organisations, it’s an opportunity to bring in new perspectives and in-demand skills.
For professionals, it’s a supported, accessible pathway into board-level experience.
Find out more about the NED Development Programme:
https://www.gta.gg/course/ned-development-programme