CSSC Joins UK Boardroom Apprentice as Host Board

Applications for 2025 are now closed.

We’ll keep you posted about next year’s programme.

If you would like to be considered for a Non-Executive Director position or Boardroom Apprentice role, please contact laurel.spring-layman@cssc.co.uk to arrange a confidential and informal discussion and supply the following:

An up-to-date CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements and preferred contact details.

A one-page supporting statement outlining your motivation and suitability for the role.

Details of two referees who can speak authoritatively about you together with a brief statement of the capacity and over what period of time they have known you. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.

How to apply

Providing aspiring applicants with a seat at the table

CSSC is one of the most influential membership bodies in the UK, with over 100 years of history.

Our mission is to provide great value sports and leisure experiences and a range of health and wellbeing benefits for public service employees. We seek to get our members ‘Up, Out and Active.’

Joining the Boardroom Apprentice Scheme allows us to grow future board leaders across the public sector, equipping them with the essential skills and experience to excel in governance roles.

Join the CSSC Board

We’re looking to recruit six new Non-Executive Board members to provide strategic leadership through a period of extensive change which is designed to enhance our sport and wellbeing offering to support the civil service, public sector and armed forces.

The new Board members will form part of a new governance structure to meet the demands of modern commercial management and to best serve our 124,000 members.

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We are pleased to announce that CSSC's Board has joined the 2025 UK Boardroom Apprentice programme.

The twelve-month programme supports the development and learning of the next generation of UK board members and helps to shape the future of the country’s public and third sector organisations.

Open to anyone aged 18 and over, the programme seeks to empower a broad range of diverse individuals, providing experience, knowledge and understanding, through in-depth learning and support. Apprentices are paired with a ‘Board Buddy’ who aid their progression through a series of learning days, throughout the year.

CSSC’s Chair, Ian Kirkpatrick, said: “Being on a board is incredibly rewarding and board experience is invaluable in the workplace. It helps members build a deeper understanding of strategic decision-making, risk management, and organisational governance—skills that are critical at all leadership levels.”

“By providing practical experience in a supportive environment, we’re not only equipping the next generation of board members, but CSSC will also enrich our own boardroom with fresh perspectives and diverse voices. We’re thrilled to be able to support the building of a more inclusive and effective public sector governance landscape here in the UK.”

CSSC CEO Matt Bazeley OBE added: “CSSC are proud to be joining the UK Boardroom Apprentice Programme for 2025.

“Being part of a board and having the opportunity of a front row seat to high-level strategic discussions and learning how to interact with executive leadership teams is an invaluable experience for any aspiring leader. The skills learnt on this programme by the apprentices will, not only enhance their current roles, but also prepare them for future leadership opportunities, helping to build a workplace culture that is resilient, innovative, and adaptable.”

“CSSC is at a fascinating point in its 100 years history of providing affordable and accessible recreation and wellbeing opportunities for our 125,000 members from across the UK’s Public Sector. In Nov 2024 we formed a new Board, with a more commercial and strategic focus, and we believe a Boardroom Apprentice would enjoy working alongside them.”

Download Candidate Information Pack [PDF]

How it works

Open to those aged 18 or over from all backgrounds and all abilities, the programme seeks to enable a wider diversity of individuals to play their part within boardrooms, allowing those without board experience to enhance their knowledge and understanding through in-depth learning and support.

Boardroom Apprentice prides itself on the support system in place for those taking part in the programme.

Upon being assigned a host board, Boardroom Apprentices are paired with a Board Buddy who aids with their progression throughout the twelve-month experience, as well as being provided with a suite of learning days.

Ms Mullan added: “I decided to create a programme that brings together three key elements – knowledge, experience and support.

“Over a twelve-month window, Boardroom Apprentices will get practical board experience, a suite of learning days and support to fully equip them to serve on a board in the public or third sector in the future.

“Being a Boardroom Apprentice is a gift with the expectation that you give it back. Being a Boardroom Apprentice is about preparing you for public service, which is about you playing your part.”

Apply now

How it works

Boardroom Apprentice prides itself on the support system in place for those taking part in the programme.

Ms Mullan added: “I decided to create a programme that brings together three key elements – knowledge, experience and support.

“Being a Boardroom Apprentice is a gift with the expectation that you give it back. Being a Boardroom Apprentice is about preparing you for public service, which is about you playing your part.”

Apply now