from trainee to boardroom

A woman who joined a development programme aimed at opening boardroom opportunities to people from all walks of life has secured a board position — back at the organisation that launched the initiative.

Believe housing, one of the largest housing associations in the north east of England, created its two-year Board Trainee Programme to increase the diversity of non-executive directors across the social housing and third sectors.

Five people with a wide range of personal and professional experiences — from charity leadership and consultancy to parenting and community volunteering — completed the scheme in December.

Three have already secured Board positions and one of them, Amy Mooney, has now been appointed to the believe housing Board.

For Amy, who was raised in a social home in Newcastle, the appointment is deeply personal.

“My dad worked in factories and was out of work at times, but we always had that stable home,” she said.

“Mam retrained as a nurse, and dad eventually got a good job. I didn’t realise it as a child, but that house was a springboard — it gave us security and enabled my parents to progress.”

Now an entrepreneur in the renewable energy sector, Amy discovered the trainee programme while researching how social housing could support the UK’s green transition. “It was a brilliant opportunity to learn more,” said the 44-year-old.

“The programme was built around us — shaped to give us the knowledge, skills, and experience we needed to contribute to boards.”

Three months after completing the programme, Amy was thrilled to be appointed.

“I would never have been able to apply or secure a role like this without the opportunity to take part in the Board Trainee Programme,” she said.

“I strongly believe that a safe, secure, warm home is the foundation of everything and I’m over the moon to join the Board at believe housing.

“Every decision we make as a Board affects real lives. Behind every number on a spreadsheet is a person or family. I’ll always keep that in mind.”

Alan Smith, Chief Executive at believe housing, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Amy and all our board trainees.

“The programme was designed to break down barriers and support people from diverse backgrounds to gain the skills and experience needed to thrive in boardroom roles —benefiting them both personally and professionally.

“From the outset, we hoped some would go on to enrich boards of the future — whether here at believe housing or with another housing provider or charity — and Amy’s appointment is a clear sign of the programme’s success.

“We’re delighted to welcome her to our Board. I have no doubt that the talent and lived experience she brings will help us make the best decisions for our customers and communities.

“I also thank our other board trainees for their dedication to the programme and wish them well with their futures.”