Next week we will be launching the Diversity Mentoring Scheme. This scheme, which PCF is working on with Cabinet Office and the Public Appointment Commissioner’s team, forms part of the Cabinet Office’s Diversity Action Plan from 2019.

The aim of this plan, and the diversity mentor scheme, is to ensure public appointees, and the boards of the public bodies on which they sit, are truly representative of the society they serve. The scheme has the active backing of Julia Lopez MP, Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office currently with responsibility for public appointments.

Chairs from the PCF network have enthusiastically signed up to be mentors in this year long programme, where they will be partnered up with mentees drawn from a wide range of backgrounds. Lucy Armstrong, Chair of the Port of Tyne, has kindly agreed to answer a few questions that describe why she wants to be a mentor.

What would you and the Port of Tyne like to get out of being a mentor?

First and foremost, we would welcome observations and feedback from our mentee which will enable us to reflect on and improve our own performance. We see this as an opportunity to raise the profile of the Port of Tyne as an accessible and welcoming organisation, appreciative of the diverse talents and capabilities people bring to the workplace.

We would also assist in enabling our mentee to become a self-aware and confident individual capable of adding value to another organisation in the future.

What are your strengths and expertise that you could bring to being a mentor?

I am a ‘career’ non-executive director so understand the difference between executive and non-executive roles. I am also a generalist, not a specialist, so know how to learn to work alongside subject experts.

I understand the importance of being able to focus on a few key issues while learning to leave some things alone. Finally, I have a direct and open style and am accustomed to giving and receiving feedback, both as an individual and as a board representative and chair.

Could you provide a brief outline of the Port of Tyne and your board set up?

We are a medium sized business with a relatively large board of eight non-executive members as required by statute. The Port operates commercially as a private business but has trust status and so all profits are reinvested. All our board non-executive appointments are made by ministers.

Our trust duties relate to the wellbeing of the River Tyne and all its users in addition to the successful operation of the Port itself. This means the Port is closely linked to the regional industrial strategy and the politics of the six local authorities the river flows through. 

The board has tried to focus on providing challenge and support to our executive team members. This helps to enhance decision-making and build confidence during challenges posed by for example Covid and the UK’s EU transition.

What lies in store for the Port of Tyne in the future?

The Port has made a number of commitments about developing a more diverse and skilled workforce in order to deliver on its 2050 business vision, Tyne 2050.

Bringing ideas back into the Port and learning from others is a key objective for us as our commitments mark a major change in our culture. We are trying to become much more open, welcoming and inclusive and we have no doubt that being part of this scheme will help us achieve this objective.

To find out more about the diveristy mentor scheme please secretariat@publicchairsforum.org.uk