Board ReadinessTM Program 2010
Why the Board ReadinessTM program?
Recently published census results show that for ASX200 companies:
- just four chairpersons are women (2%),
- only four CEOs are women (2%), and
- merely 125 out of 1504 directors are women (8.3%) - and this last statistic has fallen from 8.7% in 2006.
In addition, anecdotal evidence suggests that the majority of organisations have not accepted that technology issues must be dealt with at board level as these issues have critical financial and risk management implications.
The WiT Board ReadinessTM program aims to address these issues by building the calibre of candidates available for board selection. Participants are equipped with the skills required to become highly effective board members and provided with the opportunity to showcase these skills to some of Queensland's highest profile organisations. It is designed for women who have the desire to become a successful non-executive director.
Recently the WiT Board ReadinessTM program was announced a Global Best Practice program (pdf). Sponsorship opportunities are still open, if you are interested please contact Alice at secretariat@wit.org.au.
Applications - Now Closed for 2010
The WiT Board ReadinessTM program is offered in a small group format capped at 15 to 20 participants. The application process is competitive and based on an assessment of the applicant's skills and experience along with their suitability to take on Board roles in the future. WiT reserves the right to refuse entry to the program to any applicant and to reduce the cap for the 2010 program in the event that candidates of sufficient quality cannot be placed. To be considered for inclusion please answer all questions set out on the manual application form (pdf) or online application form and email your detailed CV to secretariat@wit.org.au by 5pm on 30 June 2010. Please provide applications in electronic format. The official PDF file is here.
You may be asked to participate in an interview with the selection panel to facilitate the shortlisting process. Candidates are selected on the basis of:
- Existing qualifications and experience
- Understanding of the value of their contribution as Non-Executive Director
- Strength of commitment to establishing a successful Board career
- Commitment to, and understanding of, the objectives of the Board ReadinessTM Program
- Availability to participate in all program events and activities
- Commitment to Women in Technology and its objectives.
Video Testimonials
The video above (Board ReadinessTM Case Studies from Envisage Media) features four previous program participants, Vanessa Brewis (2002), Kym Collins (2005), Kate Skilliter and Judy Halliday (both 2009); WiT President Anne-Marie Birkill and Queensland Premier, Honourable Anna Bligh. Thank you to the Queensland Government for supporting the development of this video clip. Also thank you to Women on Boards, AICD, and the Office for Women for their support in delivering the program.
2010 Key Dates
| Wed 30 June | Applications close |
| Tue 13 July, 5pm - 8pm | Workshop 1: The role of the director and the board ( in partnership with AICD) |
| Tue 20 July, 7am - 9am | Mentor matching and follow up meetings |
| Tue 27 July, 5pm - 8pm | Workshop 2: "Leadership for Directors" |
| Wed 18 Aug, 5pm - 8pm | Workshop 3: Developing strategies for achieving a first Board position (in partnership with Women on Boards) |
| Tue 31 Aug, 5pm - 8pm | Workshop 4: Finance for Directors |
| Tues 7 Sept & 14 Sept, 5pm - 8pm | Development and peer review of participant profiles. Participants need only attend one day. |
| Wed 13 Oct, 12pm - 2.30pm | Industry networking lunch and graduation |
Location and Venue
All program events apart from the industry lunch will be conducted at the offices of Hynes Lawyers: 21 McLachlan St, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
Program Fees
Individual Members: $ 895; Non-Members: $ 1,100. This fee, only payable upon acceptance into the program, covers all costs associated with workshops, events and production of your professional profile.
Latest News and Media
- ACTU says pay gap between genders worse than it was 20 years ago, ABC, The World Today, 2 March 2010
- Local Queensland Program Credited Global 'Best Practice', 12 Feb 2010
- Roundtable It's time to get serious, The Australian Financial Review, 19 Jan 2010 (1 MB) Scanned article (2 MB)
- Smart curve: more women in top roles, The Australian Financial Review, 19 Jan 2010 (781 KB)
- Diversity the name of the game, The Australian Financial Review, 20 Nov 2009 (292 KB)
Program Graduate Profile Booklets
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