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Why are diverse boards important?

Bonnie Greer, Trustee of The British Museum:

"It's very important that black and Asian people take up public appointments and sit on boards. First of all, it reflects the country. This is not a wishful thinking thing, or something that has to do with diversity, or multiculturalism: this is the way the country is."

Which public appointments are suitable for you?

"Really make sure that this is where you know you can do something: not where you can learn something, but where you can do something. I think the second thing is to study the organisation. Don't think you know what it's about. You get to learn more and more in an organisation as you work there; you never know enough. So institutions like the British Museum, or RADA - you just won't know everything. But study the institution; go see some of the exhibits, the shows, the things that they do: see if you understand."

What sort of people get appointed?

"I think sometimes women especially, in positions like this, being on the board of a great conservatory of the theatre, being on the board of something like The British Museum and being appointed from government, you never imagine that that would happen to you; also you think that you have to do lots of things; you have to be one of 'the great and the good'; you have to be on committees; you have to raise money and all that - but that's not the way it is."

Why should more women apply?

"I think a lot of women have much more to contribute than we think. Being a mother, being a carer, being a teacher, being a nurse - all these things actually bring on board a lot of skills that a lot of women take for granted."

Why should more people from ethnic minority backgrounds apply?

"Black and Asian people are the youngest demographic, and we're the fastest rising demographic. So in order for public institutions and public bodies to reflect the country, it's necessary for black and Asian people to take it up. And I also want to say: many of these institutions are traditional, in that they have set patterns of functioning. That shouldn't put you off. It doesn't mean that you can't make a contribution, or that your contribution isn't wanted."

Useful contacts

• Office for the Commissioner for Public Appointments Opens new window