The WiT Board Readiness™ program has been recognised as a Global Best Practice Program in the development of gender equality in Science.

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A critical element of Board effectiveness is diverse and equitable composition. The percentage of women being appointed to ASX 200 boards has fallen in the first half of 2017, according to a report released in June 2017 by the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

The drop in female appointments means the AICD’s target of achieving 30% female representation across ASX 200 boards by the end of 2018 may be slipping out of reach.The Quarterly Gender Diversity report shows the monthly rate of female appointments to ASX 200 boards has declined from 44% in 2016 to just 30% in 2017. This equates to 17 female appointments compared to 40 male appointments in the first five months of 2017.

On a positive note, the report shows that the number of ASX 200 boards that have reached the 30% target has risen to 71, more than double the number that had reached the target two years ago. Women also make up 25.4% of ASX 200 directorships.

The WiT Board Readiness^TM Program aims to address these issues by building the calibre of candidates available for Board selection. Participants are equipped with skills required to become highly effective Board members and an opportunity to showcase their skills to some of Queensland's highest profile organisations.

What the Board Readiness™ Program can do for you

The WiT Board Readiness™ Program is offered in a small group format capped at 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 near future. The program is designed for women who have the desire to apply their personal and professional skills to becoming a successful Board Director.

Program Objectives:

To support a selected group of women in achieving the skill set required to become highly competent and capable Board members
To market and promote the benefits of having directors with technology skills on Boards
To effectively partner with other organisations involved in development of Board skills to develop a common goal of elevating women to high-level positions, especially boards and enhancing their careers through access to resources and practical training/mentoring
To achieve successful Board placements in private, public and not-for-profit sectors

Why the WiT Board Readiness™ Program

Although there a number of programs promoting the importance of Board diversity and promoting redressing of the gender imbalance at Board level, WiT’s program offers a unique and broad ranging mix of practical advice, mentoring and opportunities for networking. The program is also unique in its recognition of the importance of technology skills at Board level.

A key part of the program is an invitation only Industry Luncheon attended by senior executives, Board Directors and senior representatives from the Queensland Government. The aim of the luncheon is to provide the participants in the program with an opportunity to meet and network with members of boards and senior executives across the corporate, government owned and not-for-profit sectors.

Key Benefits

Key focus on addressing critical success factors pertaining to appointment of women on boards
Additional information, mentoring and guidance to help secure a board position not offered in other programs
Participants create a fully professional executive profile with expert guidance
Small group of candidates promotes personal interactions and focus
Mentoring opportunities will be provided throughout the program
WiT Board Readiness^TM is a holistic program incorporating skills, knowledge, marketing, financials and personal know-how
Workshop on financial management. Tips and easy short cuts to easily critically analyse financial statements and learn what to look for from financial experts
Key session from the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)