Our third Boardroom Apprentice enjoys career-defining opportunity
Carys Mills joins Mining Remediation Authority as part of programme to develop aspiring board members and boost diversity in public boardrooms.
Lisa Pinney (centre) and Carys Mills (right) at our Lindsay mine water treatment scheme at Ammanford, which also provides water to a local industry and mine water heat, using a closed loop system, to Thermal Earth Limited, who use it to heat their business premises.
Carys Mills, from Pembrokeshire in Wales, is the latest Boardroom Apprentice to join the Mining Remediation Authority.
This is the third year we have supported the programme as a host board, to provide aspiring applicants with a safe seat at the table.
UK Boardroom Apprentice, supported by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, is a year-long learning, development and placement programme which helps people who would like to serve on a public or third-sector board to gain the experience they need to take that step.
It also aims to enable a wider diversity of individuals to play their part in boardrooms, by being open to all ages above 18, all backgrounds and all abilities.
Carys on the Boardroom Apprentice programme
Carys, who has a background in tourism development, project management and events, said:
Throughout my career I have reported to and worked with multiple boards, experiencing examples of both good and bad governance. I knew that I had something positive to offer to the board table and wanted to see a change in the way things were done, but I thought that this path would be closed to me until the later stages of my career.
When I reached a crossroads in my career a couple of years ago, I resolved to give back more to the community, and joining a board seemed the best way that I could do this. I stumbled across the Boardroom Apprentice programme by accident when researching how to become a non-executive. I applied, fully expecting to not be selected, but I am so glad that I was.
This has been career-defining opportunity, and I can say with all honesty that it has changed my life and future path. The programme has opened my eyes to the possibilities before me, and has deepened my desire to serve the public and make a difference. I am so grateful to the Boardroom Apprentice and the Mining Remediation Authority for providing such a wonderful experience.
Boardroom Apprentice founder Eileen Mullan said:
Since 2017, 439 individuals have embarked on their Boardroom Apprentice journey. Each one clear on their desire to serve and to play a part in public life.
I created this to enable those who want to serve to learn to be able to do just that. For me, preparing people to take on these significant roles beforehand is the right and responsible thing to do. The vision is simple, bridging the gap between aspiration and reality.
Carys on why she wanted to come to the Mining Remediation Authority
Lisa Pinney, chief executive of the Mining Remediation Authority, said:
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion was reaffirmed in our recently published Everyday inclusion plan 2025 to 2028.
We’re pleased to have welcomed Carys to our board meetings since the start of the year and it was great to get her input on a recent trip to Wales, visiting key sites and meeting colleagues and partners.
If you’d like to be our fourth Boardroom Apprentice, from January 2026, then keep an eye out for the next rounds of applications to this superb programme.
Find out more information about the UK Boardroom Apprentice scheme.
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