Issuing Authority: Mining Remediation Authority, United Kingdom
Carys Mills, a professional from Pembrokeshire, Wales, has joined the Mining Remediation Authority (MRA) as the latest participant in the UK’s Boardroom Apprentice Programme. The initiative offers aspiring board members a structured opportunity to learn, develop, and gain real-world experience in public and third-sector governance.
Third Year of Collaboration with Boardroom Apprentice
The Mining Remediation Authority is supporting the programme for the third consecutive year as a host board. The initiative, backed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, is a year-long placement and development scheme for individuals seeking to serve on public or third-sector boards.
The programme aims to make UK boardrooms more inclusive by welcoming people of all ages above 18, from varied backgrounds and with different abilities. It provides what organisers call a “safe seat at the table” to observe, learn and participate in board governance.
Empowering Future Board Members
Speaking about her experience, Carys Mills said the opportunity has been “career-defining” and transformative. With a background in tourism development, project management, and events, she shared that she had long aspired to contribute to better board governance but previously assumed such roles were only open later in her career.
“Throughout my career I have reported to and worked with multiple boards, experiencing both good and bad governance. I knew that I had something positive to offer and wanted to see change, but I thought this path was closed to me until much later,” Mills said. “When I found the Boardroom Apprentice programme, I applied with little expectation of being chosen — but it has changed my life. It opened my eyes to new possibilities and deepened my desire to serve the public.”
Programme Vision and Impact
Since its inception in 2017, the Boardroom Apprentice Programme has supported 439 individuals in their journey toward board-level service. The programme was founded by Eileen Mullan, who emphasised its purpose of bridging the gap between aspiration and reality for those seeking to serve in public life.
“I created this to enable those who want to serve to learn to be able to do just that,” said Mullan. “Preparing people for these significant roles beforehand is the right and responsible thing to do. The vision is simple — to bridge the gap between aspiration and reality.”
About the Mining Remediation Authority
The Mining Remediation Authority manages legacy mine water treatment schemes across the UK, including the Lindsay site in Ammanford. The scheme not only treats mine water but also provides water for local industry and supplies mine-water-based heat to Thermal Earth Limited through a closed-loop system.