Join the NABS Next Gen Board
Bringing early‑career voices into the heart of our mission to advance mental wellness in our industry.
We want to create a healthier, happier industry - are you on board?
Aged 30 or under and want to shape the future of mental wellness in advertising, media and marketing? You're in the right place.
Your chance to influence how our industry supports its people
The Next Gen board is a dedicated space for those aged 30 and under in advertising, media and marketing. Our aim is to bring together a diverse group of people from our industry, ensuring a wide range of perspectives and insights are brought to the table, delivering real‑world experience into the conversations that guide action at NABS.
What is the Next Gen Board?
The Next Gen Board is a practical, meaningful way for early‑career professionals to shape NABS’ thinking. You’ll share insight drawn from lived experience, collaborate with mentors and NABS teams, and help guide projects that strengthen wellbeing across the industry. It’s a space for honest conversations, fresh perspectives and real impact.
Why you should apply:
Your experiences matter. The pressures, expectations and opportunities shaping early careers today are more varied than ever. Your insight helps NABS stay close to what’s really happening in workplaces right now and inform the support we offer.
As a Board member, you’ll gain:
- A credible platform to influence support that strengthens mental wellness across the industry.
- Collaboration with senior leaders, independent Co‑Chairs and mentors.
- Confidence, visibility and early leadership experience.
- A strong peer network across advertising, media and marketing.
- Access to learning, development and storytelling support.
How the Board works
To keep the work purposeful and sustainable, the Board follows a clear phased structure, and board terms last between 15–18 months
1. Listen, learn and shape direction
You’ll build relationships, understand NABS’ work and bring your real‑life experience into strategic thinking.
2. Co‑create and deliver a focused project
Together with NABS and mentors, you’ll shape and deliver one or two clearly defined, time‑bound projects linked to NABS’ priorities.
3. Provide ongoing insight
As industry issues evolve, you’ll share feedback and perspective that helps NABS stay responsive and relevant.
4. Review and Reflect
As your service period comes to and end, a chance to reflect and share your insights with the next cohort.
What you'll gain:
✅ You’ll build leadership skills by working on live projects, not theory
✅ You’ll gain exposure to senior industry leaders in a supportive, non-intimidating setting
✅ You’ll be part of a safe, honest space to share experiences and learn from others
✅ You’ll help shape a healthier, more supportive future for people starting out in the industry
Who can apply:
Anyone under 30 working in advertising, media or marketing. You don’t need formal leadership experience. We welcome people from every kind of background, role and pathway. Please note this is a voluntary, unpaid role.
Time commitment:
- 3 core meetings – 6 hours annually
- 2 socials – 4 hours annually
- Insight session – June 2026
- Project work – 2 hours per month
- 2 L&D sessions annually (optional)
- Wrap‑up & evaluation – 2 hours
- Handover sessions – 1–2 sessions (optional)
Designed to be realistic alongside your day job:
- You’re not here to observe – you’re here to contribute.
- The work is focused, time-bound and supported by mentors and NABS’ project lead.
- Mental wellness isn’t a side topic – it’s the starting point for everything we do.
- The Board is designed around real jobs and real lives, with a manageable, realistic time commitment.
- You don’t need to be an expert – your lived experience is what matters most.
Applications now closed
Applications for the 2026 Next Gen Board have now closed. Thank you to everyone who took the time to apply and share your experiences with us.
Our team is now carefully reviewing all submissions. Because this is a people‑led process, it may take a little time but we’ll be in touch with every applicant over the coming weeks. Thank you for bearing with us.
If you are shortlisted, you’ll be invited to join a relaxed, conversation‑style interview on Thursday 23 April, held online.