Diversifying Club Boards

Cashmere Club has a new Board member. She is young, enthusiastic and ready to ring in a new era for her favourite Club.

Club’s New Zealand interviewed Ruth Jellyman to hear all about her passion for Clubs and why volunteering isn’t just a choice, it’s a necessity to champion fresh ideas and new perspectives.

1. Why did you join the Cashmere Club board? 

I joined the board because I believe in the importance of community spaces like the Cashmere Club and wanted to contribute to its future. I saw an opportunity to bring a fresh perspective, support its growth, and help ensure it remains a vibrant, inclusive place for members of all ages. My husband and I moved into the area following five years in Auckland where we saw the resurgence of clubs and similar spaces up there. Having somewhere where we can meet friends for a drink and bite to eat where the kids can be actively engaged and play is great and an asset to the community.

2. What made you join the Cashmere Club?

Initially, I was drawn to the club because it was local to us and offered a space where we could bring our kids. I appreciated how it brings people together across generations, with a variety of events and facilities catering to different interests. Having somewhere nearby that felt safe and open, where kids could play while we caught up with friends, was a big part of the appeal. It’s great to have that kind of family-friendly environment; though I do think there’s room to further develop and strengthen those facilities to better support families and make the space even more inclusive.

3. Why is it important for Club Boards to have a mix of views?

Diverse boards lead to stronger, more effective decision-making. When you bring together people with varied backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints, you open the door to more thoughtful, well-rounded discussions and better outcomes. It challenges assumptions, broadens thinking, and ensures the club is responsive to the needs of all members. As a working mother to two young boys, I bring a perspective that’s often underrepresented, one that reflects the realities of juggling professional responsibilities with family life. I believe that voice is needed to help shape decisions that truly consider the needs of all members, including families.

4. What is the focus of the Cashmere Club and how can you add value?

The Cashmere Club is focused on being a social and recreational hub for the community. It’s about connection, hospitality, and creating a space where people feel they belong. I bring experience in project management, construction and strategic planning, which I hope will support the club’s development and help it adapt to changing member needs.

5. What are some of the challenges facing clubs?

Clubs today face several challenges including declining membership in some demographics, rising operational costs, and the need to stay relevant in a fast-changing social landscape. There’s also the challenge of balancing tradition with innovation. It’s important to honour the club’s history whilst also evolving to attract new members.

6. What would you say to younger people thinking about running for a board position?

Go for it. Your voice matters, and boards need the energy, ideas, and fresh perspectives that younger people bring. It’s a great way to grow as a leader, make a real impact, and help shape something meaningful in your community. Don’t underestimate the value you can bring, especially as someone who sees things differently. We don’t need more boards made up of the same people, holding the same views. We need diversity of thought, lived experience, and background. It’s also vital that women have a seat at the table. Representation isn’t just important, it’s fundamental to building a club culture that values and responds to the diversity of its members.

7. What would you say to boards considering diversifying their board?

Diversity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a strategic advantage. A more diverse board is better equipped to understand and serve a broader range of members, bringing in fresh perspectives that challenge the status quo and lead to more innovative, inclusive, and effective decision-making. It enhances governance by reducing blind spots and encouraging more robust debate. If you want your club to remain relevant and thrive into the future, diversity should be a priority, not an afterthought. That means actively seeking out people of different ages, genders, backgrounds, and lived experiences. A board that reflects the community it serves is far more likely to make decisions that resonate, engage, and endure.