10 March 2025
Hywel Dda University Health Board is encouraging people from Black, Asian, or minority ethnic backgrounds, who are passionate about helping to deliver excellent healthcare, to join a programme aimed at developing the skills to become members of the Board.
The Aspiring Board Members Programme is a 12-month leadership development course which is being delivered in partnership with Welsh Government, NHS Wales, and Academi Wales.
The programme is open to anybody but actively seeks to encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic people, including Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities.
It is free to attend and will consist of learning events, board placements, and independent leadership coaching. Experience in the health sector is not required to apply.
Hywel Dda’s Director of Workforce and Organisational Development and Deputy Chief Executive Lisa Gostling said: “The Health Board is delighted to be a part of this important programme and host placements for two participants, giving them a practical insight into the role of Independent Members and the work of the Board.
“This programme will help to prepare individuals for a future application and encourage diversity of applicants, which is more representative of our population and the communities we serve.”
Chantal Patel is an Independent Member on Hywel Dda University Health Board.
She said: “Having a diverse Health Board leads to better decision-making, stronger governance, and more inclusive healthcare policies. When people from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences come together at the leadership level, the quality of discussions, innovation, and patient outcomes significantly improve.
“For me, serving as an Independent Member on Hywel Dda University Health Board has been an incredibly rewarding and transformative experience. It has challenged me, expanded my leadership skills, and allowed me to make a real difference in shaping healthcare services for diverse communities.
“Being an Independent Board Member is more than just a position - it’s an opportunity to help shape the future of healthcare, bring new voices to leadership, and ensure the NHS truly serves everyone. It’s an important programme as we have a significant number of international staff working within Hywel Dda University Health Board. If you’re considering it, go for it - you belong in these spaces, and your perspective is invaluable.”
Dr Neil Wooding, Chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “This is a really important programme helping to ensure the Board can draw on the diverse skills and rich cultural experience of the whole of the community. In turn, this will help us to better understand the needs of our patients and ensure they receive the appropriate and best possible healthcare.
“As Chair of the Board, I depend upon our Independent Members to give a true and honest picture of how our health care impacts our people and communities. I would strongly recommend this programme to anyone from a Black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds who cares passionately about how we deliver health care and who wants to make a difference to the lives of local people.”
The application process is open now and closes on Tuesday, 18 March. Visit https://academiwales.gov.wales/courses-and-events/programmes/aspiring-board-members-programme/ to find out more.