‘Get on Board’ offers ordinary people the opportunity to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to enable them to play a role in public life.
Speaking at an event to recognise the achievement of participants, the Minister said: ‘‘Involving individuals from all walks of life in the running of public bodies provides greater accountability and brings a wider range of skills and experiences into play.
‘‘It’s important that individuals from a wide range of backgrounds take up public appointments so that the boards of our public bodies reflect the rich diversity of our society.’’
The Minister also paid tribute to Belfast Metropolitan College which has developed and delivered ‘Get on Board’, the first accredited course of its kind in the British Isles, and to Felicity Huston who has consistently sponsored and supported the course.
Notes to Editors:
- To date, 79 people have completed the ‘Get on Board’ Course
- The course is run in Belfast and has commenced in more rural parts of Northern Ireland
- Further details can be obtained at www.belfastmet.ac.uk
- Photo available - media enquiries to Roisin Coleman on 028 9037 8128 or roisin.coleman@ofmdfmni.gov.uk
