Firms such as Gucci and Prada are using a Shadow Board of employees to bring together younger staff and empower them to make high-level decisions. By creating a board of young people with fresh new ideas on strategy, risk and finance, companies are redesigning their processes, reinventing their business model and transforming their organisations. 
 
This helps to increase diversity and to encourage different thinking at the most senior level, not only in the fashion sector but also in the hospitality industry and the energy sector. Companies are choosing to work with a group of younger employees to help to accelerate the UK’s transition to a net zero future.

RenewableUK set up its Shadow Board in 2019 and also runs an annual event called Future Leaders. To further support the Shadow Board, RenewableUK has partnered with WB NexGen Directors, a corporate initiative by Women on Boards. With a 10- year history of helping women to reach board positions, in support of the UK’s targets set by the Hampton Alexander Review, Women on Boards is well placed to support both men and women to reach the board room. With an online vacancy board of over 250 roles at a time, networking, mentoring and 1:1 board CV and board interview support, WB NexGen Directors is working with RenewableUK to provide its Shadow Board with further support, so that members can go on to secure other board roles and bring their unique experience back to their companies.

RenewableUK’s Deputy Chief Executive Melanie Onn said: 
“Our Shadow Board brings together talented younger people from a diverse range of backgrounds who’ve already achieved a degree of seniority in the industry but have yet to break through to board room level. We need their drive, creativity and originality to ensure that we scale up even faster on renewables to hit our net zero target. Working in partnership NexGen will help us to speed up that vital process, by providing valuable practical support for the industry leaders of tomorrow”. 

Fiona Hathorn, CEO, Women on Boards UK said: 
"We believe you’re never too young to be in the board room or to understand its dynamics. Shadow Boards are a fantastic way for those earlier in their careers to build their strategic experience and broaden their perspective. These are skills individuals will take back to their day jobs and help position themselves for the promotion opportunities they merit. This is especially powerful for those from under-represented groups, who are often perceived as being less strategic or having fewer leadership qualities. We are delighted to be supporting Renewable UK’s Shadow Board as part of our WB NexGen work to empower talented professionals to take practical action to build the careers they aspire to". 

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: RenewableUK