In a new venture, Shape Arts (who describe themselves as the UK's leading arts organisation made up of disabled and deaf people) are offering training days for deaf and disabled people who are interested in becoming a board member of an arts organisation.

They say: "Get On Board has been researched and devised using the direct experiences of disabled and deaf people within the disability and deaf arts sector as well as the mainstream. The aim is to explore the process of governance; share best practise and assist participants in finding a suitable organisation to work with."

The seminars (which will take place at the Tate Gallery, London) will run on 26 November for disabled people, and 28 January for deaf people. You can download further details, and the application pack from the Shape Arts website.

Business in the Arts: North West have run a pilot of a very similar scheme for the last couple of years. (Indeed, my place on their own board was offered to me as a result of my having attending the training.) Funding for continuation of the scheme is currently being sought. If you'd be interested in taking part, keep an eye on the website for news of developments.