Bhavini Goyate - Governance Now 2019 Speaker Interview

On the governance today and in the future

Have you seen any changes in the way cultural boards approach the recruitment of
young people in the last 5-10 years?

Yes! One of the pressing challenges in governance is diversity (as it is everywhere, really) and age diversity is a top priority in boards at the moment.

What’s the greatest opportunity that sector-wide good governance might bring?

Good decisions all round and therefore effective change, as opposed to change
happening in small pockets of the industry.

On your career

Tell us about your first governance role. How did you learn the ropes?

I’m only just settling into my role as a board member for the Independent Theatre Council, having attended only one board meeting.

This, however, isn’t my first board meeting as I’ve been minuting meetings for 3 years now. It’s been a great way to learn about governance in different sized organisations.

What are the qualities of a good trustee?

• Supportive (advocacy, invested in the organisation)
• Present (in meetings as well as making yourself available to the organisation when they need)
• Vocal (actively engaging with papers / emails / questions / provocations)

We hope you’ll join Bhavini and a host of other fantastic speakers at Governance Now 2019 — the flagship conference for culture sector trustees and professionals.

Governance Now takes place at the Friend’s Meeting House, London on 8th November 2019. Book tickets here.