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What skills and experience do you bring to your board?

Judge Marilyn Mornington, member of Family Justice Council:

"I think I bring to Family Justice, nationally and internationally, somebody that does the job on the ground. I was 20 years a barrister, now 15 years as a judge, every day doing that and patron of many women's organisations, so I've seen what's happening out there on the ground. My working-class background, as a woman, as a mother, I bring that as well - and someone particularly who has worked with Asian communities in this country and internationally, and wishes to enhance the role of Asian women and Muslim women within the communities."

Why are diverse boards important?

"Our society can only thrive when the talents of everybody in that society are fully utilised. And any bodies, particularly public bodies, will not operate to their optimum unless we are including all that wonderful talent out there - that so far is not there, is not coming forward, they are not including women, those ethnic minorities and those with disabilities."

What makes a good board member?

"Firstly, integrity: a belief in themselves and who they are and where they come from, which obviously we can assist them with. A passion for communities, both locally and nationally, to want to make things better, whether it's for a health board or whatever. A passion to take a role in society, and to bring their individual experience and their community's experience to the table to learn that."

What advice do you have for people considering a public appointment?

"I frequently go up to people and say, 'have you thought, for instance, of being a magistrate?' And they say, 'that's not for me'. The first thing is to believe it is for them, and to understand that that's the case and that the government at all levels is wanting them to come forward and do that. I would advise them to seek any mentoring help, and the mentoring is available through the schemes that they need. Go and sit in, ask to sit in at these bodies and see what they do - would that be for me? I'd also say that you will have a fantastic time - you'll be able to utilise your skills; you'll grow as a person; you'll make great friends; it's actually taken me all over the world, which I never expected, and it will enhance you and your life skills. So go and do it, that's my advice!"

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