Scotland Women in Technology backs charity board pilot

Scotland Women in Technology has launched a pilot programme with Third Sector Lab to fund places in the Digital Trustees scheme, aiming to increase the number of women with digital experience on charity boards.

Up to 30 women from Scotland’s technology sector will receive training before being matched with third sector boards seeking digital, data or design expertise. The programme is intended to help applicants move from operational technology roles into governance positions focused on digital strategy, data ethics and the use of artificial intelligence.

Launched by Third Sector Lab in 2018, Digital Trustees matches volunteers with charities looking for board members with specialist digital knowledge. The new pilot, funded by Scotland Women in Technology, is aimed at women seeking trustee positions.

The scheme will run in three stages. First, successful applicants will receive training on legal governance and on assessing whether a charity board is the right fit. Next, Third Sector Lab will oversee a matching process designed to align candidates’ technical backgrounds with the missions and needs of charities. Finally, those appointed to boards will receive follow-up support, including 30, 60 and 90-day check-ins and access to a peer learning network.

The launch comes as both organisations highlight gaps in representation and digital expertise in the third sector. Scotland Women in Technology cited figures showing that 13% of charity boards have achieved gender parity, while Third Sector Lab said 41% of charities have no digital representation on their boards.

Ketty Lawrence, Vice Chair of Scotland Women in Technology, said: “Boards continue to face an image and access challenge, with just 13% of charity boards achieving gender parity. While the value of diverse boards is clear, too many women are still locked out of governance opportunities. The Lovelace Report 2025 highlighted the lack of meaningful development opportunities as a key barrier for women in technology. This is exactly the gap we are stepping in to address. By funding this pilot, we are opening up a practical pathway for women to step into board roles and shape decision-making. The Digital Trustees programme offers a powerful route to build leadership, influence and strategic confidence at board level. Through this work, we aim to challenge the status quo and support more women to drive impact across the third sector.”

The programme reflects a wider effort to strengthen digital oversight at board level in charities, as cyber security, data use and artificial intelligence become more prominent governance issues. Trustees are legally responsible for the direction and oversight of charities, meaning board members increasingly need to understand how technology affects operations, risk and service delivery.

Ross McCulloch, Director of Third Sector Lab, said: “In Scotland, digital transformation frequently stalls at the boardroom door. While technology is driving the modern economy, 41% of charities have no digital representation on their boards but are experiencing major challenges when it comes to cyber security and AI. Our partnership with SWiT will further support the sector and help them understand the art of the possible, gaining access to real technical experts, all while modernising the perception of what a board looks like.”

Board pipeline

The pilot is intended not only to fill board vacancies but also to create a route into governance for women in digital roles who may not previously have considered trusteeship. Training on governance requirements is designed to show participants that the role goes beyond advising on IT issues and includes strategic scrutiny and decision-making.

That distinction is central to the programme. Applicants are expected to bring experience in digital, data or design, but they are preparing for the role of trustee rather than technical adviser. Board members are typically expected to contribute to organisational oversight, financial stewardship and long-term direction, alongside subject-specific issues.

The scheme also builds on Digital Trustees’ existing track record. Since launching, the programme has run six cohorts and placed almost 200 people on third sector boards across the UK, according to the organisers. That record gives the latest cohort an established structure for recruitment, matching and early-stage support after appointments are made.

One previous participant, Tessa Quinn, was matched with the Scottish Seabird Centre through the programme. Her experience is being used as an example of how digital professionals can move into charity governance roles.

Tessa Quinn said: “Technology is no longer a male domain; some of the brightest, most creative and pragmatic digital leaders I know are women. With the need for a robust and ethical tech approach essential for almost all charities now, and the woeful figures on gender parity – just recruit more women from tech to your boards.”