On the 22nd of May, 2024, Darren Franklin BA (Hons) MBA, delivered an engaging talk titled “Being the same and different: the tensions of maintaining personal identity and being part of the Board identity..” The event explored the balance between personal and group identities, focusing on diversity, inclusion, and optimal distinctiveness.
Key Takeaways
Ethnic Minority Representation on UK Charity Boards:
- Current Landscape: Out of 183,771 charities in England and Wales, with 921,739 trustees, 92% are white, and less than 3% are black.
- Importance of Diversity: Essential for effective charity sector functioning.
- Research Needs: Highlighted the lack of UK-focused research on ethnic minority representation on boards.
Research Insights:
- FTSE 100 Boards: Only 2% of directors are UK citizens of colour, with 51 companies having no directors of colour.
- Recruitment Issues: 80% of trustees are recruited informally, indicating a need for more structured, inclusive processes.
Theories Explored:
- Self-Categorisation Theory (SCT):
- Concept: Differentiates between social and personal identity.
- Behaviour Drivers: Context determines which identity guides behaviour, balancing depersonalisation and individuality.
- Social Identity Theory (SIT):
- Concept: Individuals categorise themselves into in-groups and out-groups.
- Principles: Social categorisation, comparison, and positive distinctiveness drive group dynamics.
- Optimal Distinctiveness Theory:
- Concept: Balances the need for uniqueness with the need for belonging.
- Dynamic Process: Individuals continuously reconcile these needs to achieve group identification.
Implications for Charity Boards
- Maintaining Individuality: Trustees must balance individuality with group assimilation.
- Health and Well-being: Identity conflicts can impact well-being.
- Navigating Group Dynamics: Awareness of in-groups and out-groups is crucial.
- Identity in Leadership: Trustees should avoid losing personal identity in the pursuit of group conformity.
In conclusion Darren Franklin’s #TrusteeTime talk, “Being the Same and Different,” shed light on the complex identity dynamics within UK charity boards. The discussion underscored the urgent need for greater diversity and inclusive practices to enhance representation and effectiveness in the charity sector.
Following on from the feedback from the session, Darren will be delivering a follow up session #TrusteeTime -Balancing Act: Trustee Challenges and Identity Balance
- Date: Wednesday, September 18th
- Time: 09:00 – 10:00
- Location: In person @ The RSA
To register for this free event visit – Eventbrite
Thank you to all attendees for engaging in this vital conversation.
