Broader Perspectives. Better Decisions. Future Leaders
Bring your perspective into conversations that matter and help shape decisions that influence health and care across Thames Valley.
The Thames Valley Mirror Board Programme offers aspiring leaders from across health, care, local government, primary care, and the voluntary sector the opportunity to contribute directly to strategic discussions while developing leadership capability, confidence, and understanding of Board-level decision-making.
Working alongside the NHS Thames Valley Integrated Care Board and partners, the Mirror Board Programme brings together emerging leaders to provide insight, constructive challenge, and fresh perspectives to system-level discussions. Participants do more than observe - they actively contribute to shaping thinking and decision-making across the system.
Building on the success of the original programme, this cohort strengthens inclusive leadership and develops the next generation of system leaders.
Why the Mirror Board programme?
The future of health and care will not be shaped by any single organisation, but by how effectively we work together across systems, professions, and communities. Whether tackling inequalities, improving access, strengthening prevention, or transforming services, better decisions are made when diverse perspectives are included.
The Mirror Board Programme has been created to bring these perspectives into strategic discussions in a structured and meaningful way - supporting both leadership development and system improvement.
Built with partners. Shaped by experience. Designed for impact.
The programme has been co-designed with leaders and partners across health, care, local government, primary care, and the voluntary sector.
It builds on learning from the original Mirror Board model, which demonstrated the value of creating meaningful opportunities for emerging leaders to contribute to strategic discussions while developing confidence, capability, and understanding of system leadership.
Participants in previous programmes reported:
• Increased confidence contributing to senior-level discussions
• Greater understanding of governance and decision-making
• Stronger cross-system networks
• Valuable exposure to senior leaders and strategic thinking
Senior leaders also valued the fresh perspectives, constructive challenge, and insight brought into discussions. The Thames Valley Mirror Board builds on this foundation to strengthen inclusive leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and future leadership development across the system.
More than a development programme
The Mirror Board Programme is a platform for influence, learning, and collaboration - not just a training programme.
Participants will contribute insight, lived experience, and emerging leadership perspectives into discussions on key issues affecting health and care across Thames Valley, while developing a deeper understanding of governance, strategy, and system leadership.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
• Contribute to strategic discussions and decision-making
• Gain exposure to Board-level leadership and governance
• Develop confidence, influence, strategic thinking, and constructive challenge skills
• Build relationships across organisations and sectors
• Take part in reciprocal mentoring with a senior Board member
• Learn alongside colleagues from across the Thames Valley system
• Develop understanding of system challenges and opportunities
Mirror Board members do more than observe; they actively contribute to shaping discussions. Their insights will be shared with senior leaders to ensure decisions reflect a wider range of perspectives.
Who are we looking for?
We are seeking aspiring leaders from across health and care, including those working in:
• NHS organisations
• Local authorities
• Primary care
• Social care
• VCSE organisations
• Wider health and care partner organisations
We welcome individuals from historically under-represented backgrounds in senior leadership and decision-making spaces, alongside those committed to inclusive leadership. We are looking for people who bring diverse perspectives and experiences and are motivated to work beyond organisational boundaries to improve equitable outcomes across health and care. We are particularly keen to hear from people who value equity, inclusion, and collaborative leadership; bring diversity of thought and experience; are passionate about improving health and care across Thames Valley; enjoy learning across sectors and disciplines; are interested in developing their leadership capability and strategic understanding; and aspire to future senior leadership or Board-level roles.
No previous Board experience is required. What matters is your willingness to contribute thoughtfully, engage constructively, learn from others, and bring your own perspective into the room. The aim is for the Mirror Board to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves.
What does the programme involve?
Mirror Board members are appointed for an 18-month term and take part in a structured programme designed to support learning, contribution, and leadership development.
The programme includes:
• Regular Mirror Board meetings
• Reciprocal mentoring with a senior Board member
• Leadership development sessions
• Cultural Intelligence (CQ) development for inclusive leadership and collaboration
• Learning on governance, finance, risk, and strategic leadership
• Opportunities to connect and collaborate across the system
• The expected commitment is approximately 12–14 days over 18 months.
• There is no cost to participants or organisations.
A shared investment in future leadership
The Mirror Board is a shared investment in future leadership, delivering value at multiple levels. It enables participants to develop through direct involvement in strategic leadership and decision-making, while helping organisations strengthen leadership capability, collaboration, and future talent pipelines. It enriches wider system thinking by bringing diverse perspectives into strategic discussions, supporting more inclusive and effective decisions. Overall, it fosters cross-sector learning and collective contribution to improved outcomes across Thames Valley.
Networking event and next steps
Following review of expressions of interest, shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a face-to-face Candidate Engagement and Selection Event in July (date to be confirmed).
This event will bring together Board members, programme sponsors, Mirror Board alumni, and applicants. It will include discussions and activities designed to explore the skills, experiences, and perspectives applicants bring.
Applicants will receive preparatory materials in advance. Participation in the event, along with the written expression of interest, will inform final selection decisions.
Express Your Interest
Expressions of interest are now open for the first Thames Valley Mirror Board Programme cohort.
If you are ready to contribute your perspective, develop your leadership capability, and help shape the future of health and care across Thames Valley, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Expression of Interest Form (opens a document)
Equality Monitoring Form (opens a form)
Further Information for Sponsors (opens a document)
Closing Date: Friday 3 July at 5pm.
Questions:
Reflections and testimonials from the Frimley ICS Mirror Board Programme
The Mirror Board builds on a successful programme delivered within NHS Frimley. Participants and Board members described the impact on their confidence, leadership development and understanding of system decision-making.
“My experience with the Mirror Board has been highly valuable, deepening my understanding of how the NHS, ICBs, ICSs, and the voluntary sector can work together to drive meaningful change. Reviewing NHS strategic documents helped us identify barriers, challenge bias, and promote more inclusive and equitable access to services for all communities. It has supported my professional development, contributing to my appointment as Acting CEO at Slough Council for Voluntary Service. Overall, it has strengthened collaboration and reinforced the importance of partnership working to build healthier, safer communities.”— NHS Frimley Mirror Board Programme Member.
“Being part of the Mirror Board has given me a safe and supportive space to reflect on my assumptions about EDI challenges within the ICS and wider society. I have learned a great deal from my peers and been inspired by the diversity of perspectives, as well as the Board’s early influence on Main Board decisions—such as improving accessibility in written communications for neurodiverse audiences. Discussing challenging issues in this environment has built my confidence, enabling me to speak at a Black History Month event in October”.— NHS Frimley Mirror Board Programme Member
“I would recommend the Mirror Board Development Programme as a constructive approach to embedding diverse perspectives within leadership structures, while simultaneously supporting the development of emerging talent. It fosters a more connected and inclusive leadership culture, which I believe can only strengthen organisational effectiveness and board governance.” NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board Member.