WOMEN DO BOARDS.

Supporting women in tech to move beyond delivery and into governance, strategy and influence.



Step into the boardroom and shape the decisions that matter.

You’ll learn how charity boards work, build confidence in decision-making at that level, and be matched with third sector organisations looking for digital, data and technology expertise.

Move from executing technology to governing it.

Women Do Boards: the Digital Trustees x SWiT Cohort 2026

  • Fully-funded limited cohort (20–30 places)

  • Open to women working in digital, data and design roles living in Scotland

  • Applications close: 17 May (midnight)

  • You must be able to attend online cohort sessions on 1 June 10.00-12.00 & 8 Jun 10.00-12.00

Apply Now
Join information session 29 April 12:00
Join information session 6 May 6:30pm

  • Transitioned from a "volunteer" mindset to a formal Board member through speed-matchmaking. Her digital marketing expertise is now driving the charity’s "New Blood" initiative.

    Phoebe Holford (Project Ability)

  • A Senior User Researcher who helped a national charity use data to prove impact. Her advice: "Don't underestimate your everyday skills; they can transform a board."

    Hannah Wallwork, (Cycling Without Age)

  • “It completely changed how I see my own leadership potential.”

    —Former Participant

  • "Every detail was thoughtfully executed. We're thrilled with the outcome."

    —Former Customer

  • Technology is no longer a male domain; some of the brightest, most creative and pragmatic digital leaders I know are women. With the need for a robust and ethical tech approach essential for almost all charities now, and the woeful figures on gender parity - just recruit more women from tech to your boards.

    Tessa Quinn

What is Women Do Boards?

A partnership between SWiT and Third Sector Lab supporting women in tech to move into governance as Digital Trustees.

A trustee is responsible for the overall direction, governance and long-term success of a charity.

That means:

  • Setting strategy and priorities

  • Making decisions about risk, funding and sustainability

  • Holding senior leadership to account

  • Ensuring the organisation delivers on its purpose

As a digital trustee, your role is to bring insight into areas like:

  • Digital strategy and transformation

  • Data and evidence-led decision making

  • Cyber security and risk

  • AI and emerging technologies

  • User needs and service design

You are not there to “do the work”.

You are there to shape the decisions that determine how the work happens.

Why this matters?

Why now?

Digital is now central to how charities operate, from service delivery to fundraising to safeguarding.

But many boards are not equipped for that reality:

  • Trustees often lack confidence in digital, data and AI

  • Key decisions about technology are made without sufficient expertise

  • This creates risks and missed opportunities

At the same time:

  • Women are underrepresented in board-level and governance roles

  • Many women in tech roles don’t get exposure to strategic decision-making environments

This programme exists to address both gaps.

👉 Bringing digital expertise into governance
👉 Opening up pathways into leadership and influence

What value you will get from this course

1. Learn how boards work (Session 1)

You’ll cover:

  • What trustees are legally and practically responsible for

  • How boards make decisions

  • The difference between governance and operations

  • What good (and bad) board dynamics look like

  • Where digital fits into board-level thinking

You’ll leave with a clear understanding of:
👉 what is expected of you
👉 what you can contribute
👉 what to look for in a board

2. Define your role and value (Session 2)

You’ll work through:

  • What skills and perspective you bring

  • What types of organisations you want to support

  • What kind of role suits you (trustee, advisory, short-term)

  • How to assess whether a board is the right fit

You’ll leave with:
👉 a clear “offer” as a potential trustee
👉 confidence to have board-level conversations
Join information session 29 April 12:00
Join information session 6 May 6:30pm

3. Get matched to real opportunities

After the sessions, we:

  • Identify charities that match your interests and experience

  • Introduce you to 1–2 organisations

  • Support you to have initial conversations

This might lead to:

  • A trustee role (typically ~3 years)

  • A short-term board role (12–18 months)

  • A board advisory position (project-based, less formal)

You are not expected to accept the first opportunity - fit matters.

4. Ongoing support

You’ll also have access to:

  • A peer network of other women in the cohort

  • Follow-up check-ins (30 / 60 / 90 days)

  • A wider Digital Trustees community.


Apply Now

The benefits?

For your career

This gives you something most roles don’t:

experience of making decisions at organisational level

You’ll develop:

  • Strategic thinking beyond your immediate role

  • Confidence contributing in senior environments

  • Understanding of governance, risk and accountability

  • Experience that supports progression into leadership roles

This is particularly valuable if you:

  • Want to move into senior leadership

  • Want broader perspective beyond your organisation

  • Feel “stuck” at delivery level

For your employer

This isn’t separate from your job — it strengthens it.

You’ll bring back:

  • Better decision-making skills

  • Broader organisational perspective

  • Increased confidence in leadership settings

Many organisations support trusteeship as:

  • Professional development

  • Leadership training

  • Volunteering / ESG activity

 For the charities you support

Charities gain:

  • Insight into digital and data they often don’t have internally

  • Better-informed strategic decisions

  • Increased confidence navigating technology and risk

This has a direct impact on how they deliver services and support communities.

Who Should Apply?

Women working in:

  • Software / engineering

  • Data / analytics

  • Product / delivery

  • Cyber / infrastructure

  • UX / service design

  • Strategy / consultancy

  • Any technology-related role

You might be:

  • Early-mid career and ready to step up

  • Mid-career and looking to broaden your experience

  • Senior and wanting to use your expertise differently

You do not need:

  • Previous board experience

  • A senior job title

  • “Perfect” credentials

Apply Now

Time Commitment

What’s involved?

During the programme:

  • 2 x 2-hour online sessions 1 June 10.00-12.00 & 8 June 10.00-12.00

  • Optional self-paced learning

Afterwards (if you join a board):

  • Typically a few hours per month

  • Usually 4–8 board meetings per year

You can explore opportunities before committing - we strongly encourage board shadowing first where possible.

We’re selecting 20-30 women who are ready to develop their leadership through governance experience.

Be part of a peer cohort with expert support and get matched to a cause you’re passionate about.

If you’re curious, motivated, and want to see how decisions are really made — apply today.

Apply Now
Join information session 29 April 12:00
Join information session 6 May 6:30pm

Key Dates

  • Information sessions (optional):

    Find out more about the programme at one of our information sessions.

    29 April, 12:00–12:40

    6 May, 18:30–19:10.

  • Closing Date

    Application Close:

    17 May (midnight)

    Successful applicants notified:

    22 May

  • Programme dates

    Participants will attend 2 sessions and must be available for both 

    Session 1

    1 June 202, 10am-12pm

    Session 2 

    8 June 2026, 10am-12pm

Your Questions, Answered

  • A trustee is responsible for the overall direction and governance of a charity. That includes setting strategy, overseeing finances and risk, and making sure the organisation delivers on its purpose. Trustees don’t run day-to-day operations — they help guide and challenge decision-making at a strategic level.

  • A digital trustee brings insight into areas such as digital strategy, data, technology, AI or cyber security. You help the board make better decisions about how digital is used — not by doing the work, but by shaping the direction.

  • No. This is not a hands-on role. You won’t be building systems or fixing websites — your role is to contribute to strategy, ask questions, and provide perspective.

  • No — you’ll be introduced to opportunities, but there’s no obligation.

    • Trustee (board member)

    • Short-term trustee roles

    • Board advisory roles

  • If you work in a technology role or related profession, in any industry sector. This includes:

    • Software engineering / development

    • Data / analytics / AI

    • Product / delivery

    • UX / service design

    • Strategy / consultancy

    • Cyber security / infrastructure

    • Digital marketing or platforms

    If your role involves digital, data or design tools, systems or thinking — it counts.

  • No. We welcome women at all career stages. What matters is your perspective and willingness to engage at a strategic level.

  • Yes — you must live in Scotland, but your employer can be based anywhere.

  • No — this programme is designed for people who are new to trusteeship.

  • If you can’t attend the scheduled sessions, we recommend applying for a future cohort. The live sessions are a key part of the experience.

  • Only if you choose to join a board. Trustee roles are often around 3 years, but there are also shorter-term board positions and advisory options.

  • Yes - as they build on each other and this is a cohort of peers so attendance at both is essential.

    • 2 x 2-hour sessions

    • Optional self-paced learning

    • Follow-up conversations with charities

    If you join a board, this typically involves a few hours per month.

  • No — places are limited. A cohort of 20–30 women will be selected from across Scotland to ensure a diverse mix of backgrounds, experience, and a strong peer network.

  •  We’re looking for women who:

    • Are curious about governance and leadership

    • Want to develop their strategic thinking

    • Can bring a digital perspective to board-level discussions

    You don’t need to tick every box.

  • Applications will be reviewed and the cohort selected. Successful applicants will receive confirmation on 22 May. This will be followed by full details ahead of the first session (1 June).

  • No — We’ll support you to think about your interests and match you accordingly.

  • Join one of our info sessions — they’re designed to help you decide if the programme is right for you.

  • You’ll be introduced to relevant opportunities, but there’s no guarantee — and no pressure to accept a role that doesn’t feel right.

  • That’s completely fine. The programme is designed to help you explore whether trusteeship is the right next step. We do ask that you attend an info session before applying so you can make an informed decision about taking a fully funded place.

  • No - the programme is fully-funded by Scotland Women in Technology.

  • This cohort is delivered by Digital Trustees (A programme from Third Sector Lab) in partnership with Scotland Women in Technology.

  • Usually no, but it depends on your organisation. Many employers support trusteeship as part of professional development or volunteering.

  • Often, yes. Many employers recognise trustee roles as volunteering or leadership development — it’s worth checking with your employer.

  • Yes. Most people feel this way. If you have relevant experience and curiosity, you’re likely more ready than you think.

  • That’s exactly why this programme exists — to change who gets to be in those spaces. Diverse boards make better decisions.

  • What is a trustee?
    A trustee is responsible for the overall direction and governance of a charity. That includes setting strategy, overseeing finances and risk, and making sure the organisation delivers on its purpose. Trustees don’t run day-to-day operations — they help guide and challenge decision-making at a strategic level.

    What is a digital trustee?
     A digital trustee brings insight into areas like digital strategy, data, technology, AI or cyber security. You help the board make better decisions about how digital is used — not by doing the work, but by shaping the direction.

    Will I be expected to do technical work?
     No. This is not a hands-on role. You won’t be building systems or fixing websites — your role is to contribute to strategy, ask questions, and provide perspective.

    What kinds of board roles could I get?
     You may be introduced to:

    • Trustee (board member) roles

    • Short-term roles (e.g. supporting a specific project or transition)

    • Advisory roles (less formal, more flexible)

    We’ll help you understand what’s right for you

  • What counts as a “tech” role?
     If you work in a technology role or related profession, in any industry sector. This includes:

    • Software engineering / development

    • Data / analytics / AI

    • Product / delivery

    • UX / service design

    • Strategy / consultancy

    • Cyber security / infrastructure

    • Digital marketing or platforms

    If your role involves digital, data or design tools, systems or thinking — it counts.

    Do I need to be senior?
    No. We welcome women at all career stages. What matters is your perspective and willingness to engage at a strategic level. 

    Do I need previous board experience?
    No — this programme is designed for people who are new to trusteeship.

    Do I need to live in Scotland?
    Yes — you must live in Scotland, but your employer can be based anywhere.

  • Do I have to attend both cohort sessions? Yes - as they build on each other and this is a cohort of peers so attendance at both is essential.

    What if I can’t make the dates?
    If you can’t attend the scheduled sessions, we recommend applying for a future cohort. The live sessions are a key part of the experience.

    How much time does this take overall?

    • 2 x 2-hour sessions

    • Optional self-paced learning

    • Follow-up conversations with charities

    If you join a board, this typically involves a few hours per month.

    Is there a long-term commitment?
    Only if you choose to join a board. Trustee roles are often around 3 years, but there are also shorter-term board positions and advisory options.


  • Is everyone who applies accepted?
    No — places are limited. A cohort of 20–30 women will be selected from across Scotland to ensure a diverse mix of backgrounds, experience, and a strong peer network.

    What are you looking for in applicants?
     We’re looking for women who:

    • Are curious about governance and leadership

    • Want to develop their strategic thinking

    • Can bring a digital perspective to board-level discussions

    You don’t need to tick every box.

    What happens after I apply?
    Applications will be reviewed and the cohort selected. Successful applicants will receive confirmation on 22 May. This will be followed by full details ahead of the first session (1 June). 

    Do I need to know what kind of charity I want to work with?
    No — We’ll support you to think about your interests and match you accordingly.

  • What if I’m interested but not 100% sure?
    Join one of our info sessions — they’re designed to help you decide if the programme is right for you.

    What if I decide it’s not for me?
    That’s completely fine. The programme is designed to help you explore whether trusteeship is the right next step. We do ask that you attend an info session before applying so you can make an informed decision about taking a fully funded place.

    Will I definitely get a board role?
    You’ll be introduced to relevant opportunities, but there’s no guarantee — and no pressure to accept a role that doesn’t feel right.

  • Is there a cost to take part?
    No — the programme is fully-funded by Scotland Women in Technology.

    Who runs the programme?
    This cohort is delivered by Digital Trustees (A programme from Third Sector Lab) in partnership with Scotland Women in Technology.

    Will my employer need to approve this?
    Usually no, but it depends on your organisation. Many employers support trusteeship as part of professional development or volunteering.

    Can this count towards volunteering days? Often, yes. Many employers recognise trustee roles as volunteering or leadership development — it’s worth checking with your employer.


  • I don’t feel “ready” — should I still apply?
    Yes. Most people feel this way. If you have relevant experience and curiosity, you’re likely more ready than you think.

    What if I don’t see people like me on boards?
    That’s exactly why this programme exists — to change who gets to be in those spaces. Diverse boards make better decisions.

Apply for the 2026 cohort.

We’re selecting 20-30 women who are ready to develop their leadership through governance experience.

Be part of a peer cohort with expert support and get matched to a cause you’re passionate about.

If you’re curious, motivated, and want to see how decisions are really made, apply today.


Apply Now