Member Spotlight Rupinder Sandhu
Get to know IoD members in the West Midlands
Name: Rupinder Sandhu
Position/company: Sandwell College – Further Education Curriculum manager for the Visual Arts
Other information (eg other positions held, charity roles):
Primary School Governor – Chair of Outcomes committee at Brickhouse Primary School
Non-Executive Board member for Multistory and Black Country Touring
What do you do outside work? (hobbies/interests):
I am interested in the creative industries and like to go too art exhibitions and theatre performances within Birmingham to see the amazing talent we have in the West Midlands region. I enjoy keeping fit and like to exercise and go on long walks and be at one with nature.
How long have you been an IoD member?
1 year
Why did you join the IoD?
As a practising non-executive director in the public sector I wanted to connect with fellow IoD members online and at in-person business events. I also wanted to upskill and advance my knowledge and skills with professional development and the IoD provide that through online and in person training events.
Which parts of IoD membership do you value most?
By being a member of the IoD, I have been able to learn, share experience and connect with fellow members. I value being part of a community of directors at different stages in their careers, from different sectors and being able to share knowledge and support each other. I have found being a part of the IoD British Asian Business Community of most value as the group have advocated the importance of the Bame community and collectively we are working towards having more representation within business sectors. I feel this has helped me to be to develop further within the education sector and leadership.
What is the most important issue for the government to tackle?
I feel the most important issue for the government to tackle is transforming traditional education programmes to better serve all students. Governments must also determine how to pave the way to a better future via adult education, as well. Addressing unemployment and spurring economic recovery will rely in part on adult reskilling programmes, including digital upskilling. Educational transformation at all levels needs to include the use of new learning methods, upskilling of teachers and structural redesign.
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years’ time?
I hope to continue working my way up in Education and become a member of the Senior Leadership team within an Education establishment as a woman from the Bame community and encourage more diversity in the workplace.
Interested in IoD membership? Contact [email protected]
