In 2013, a group of ex-football players were the first to complete On The Board. Designed specifically to enhance the ambassadorial experience of players, capitalising on the skills they have on the pitch and combining these with learning in corporate governance, On The Board is sponsored by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) and the Footballers’ Association (FA).
A number of high profile names in football graduated from the programme, including Les Ferdinand who today, has been appointed as Director of Football at QPR. When he took on his previous role as Head of Operations at QPR, Les shared that his learning and experience on the programme had directly contributed to his success at gaining his position. At the time, Les said that he believed that completing the programme, combined with his extensive coaching qualifications, are behind his latest success.
On hearing the news that Les has now been promoted to Director of Football, programme creator and Managing Director at the governance forum, Karl George MBE stated; “I am very proud of Les’ continuing success at QPR. As a graduate of the programme, he is definitely equipped with the right level of skill, understanding and competence in corporate governance and leadership to be able to continue to take the club from strength to strength.”
We are also very pleased to see another On The Board graduate, Chris Ramsey in caretaker charge at the same club until a permanent appointment is made.
The EBM programmes are designed to equip those people who want to contribute to the leadership of an organisation by becoming board members. They are delivered by facilitators who all have practical experience on boards. Successful graduates have secured appointments on boards at various local and national charities and housing associations.
For more information about the EBM programmes email admin@effectiveboardmember.co.uk.
Here at the Effective Board Member programmes, we would like to wish both Les and Chris all the best in their roles at the club!
