Attendees to our NSW Mentoring Program launch event included (from left to right): Holly Kramer, The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Elizabeth Broderick (Sex Discrimination Commissioner), and Melinda Snowden


As part of our commitment to board diversity, we have developed a range of initiatives to help to achieve a greater representation of women on boards and in senior executive positions.

We aim to increase board diversity both in the short-term and in the longer term by addressing the so-called "pipeline problem", that is the current obstacles to women gaining positions in senior management ranks that could prepare them for future directorship roles.

Actions to increase board diversity include: 

• Our new booklet which explains the changes to the ASX Corporate Goveranance Principles and Reccomendations on diversity and provides some practical tips to help entities to get started on developing diversity policies and measureable objectives;
• New recommendations for boards to adopt, and report on, diversity policies and goals for the board and senior management;
• Recommendations for greater transparency in board selection processes and reporting;
• Our new ASX 200 Chairmen's Mentoring Program bringing together senior listed company chairmen and emerging women directors;
• Our new scholarship program and other educational initiatives. To lodge an expression of interest in the program click here;
• Our new online service to assist current and aspiring directors in finding board positions;
• Our new online information directory providing details of services that are relevant to board diversity and women in particular, including organisations focussed on board diversity, specific industry organisations for women, board search firms, coaching firms and government registers for board and committee opportunities;
• Additional briefings, seminars and other events tailored to the needs of aspiring women directors;
• Our new publication providing guidance for boards and search professionals on board composition and selection that highlights the advantages of diversity and widening the candidate pool (to be published later this year);
• Our Board Diversity Publications Guide provides links to information the Australian Institute of Company Directors has published on board composition and diversity.

Diversity: Tips for getting started

All ASX-listed companies will be required to comply with the recent changes to the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations on diversity released by the ASX Corporate Governance Council on 30 June 2010. The Australian Institute of Company Directors has published a free booklet which explains the changes and provides some practical tips to help entities to get started on embedding diversity within the culture of their organisation. More...

Scholarship Program - expressions of interest

If you wish to lodge your interest in our recently announced scholarship program, please email us here. Further information will be shared once it becomes available.

Media Releases

Women directors crack the 10 per cent ceiling
Women now make up 10 per cent of the directors of Australia's top listed companies, the latest figures released by the Australian Institute of Company Directors reveal.

The appointment today of Sam Mostyn to the board of Virgin Blue Limited pushed the percentage of women on ASX 200 boards into double figures for the first time, from 8.3 per cent at the beginning of this year.

Women on the rise on Australian boards
10 August 2010 | The number of women being appointed to ASX 200 boards continues to grow, with the proportion of female directors of Australia's top listed companies now close to 10 per cent, the latest figures released by the Australian Institute of Company Directors show.

New scholarships to increase diversity on boards
29 July 2010 | The Australian Institute of Company Directors today announced a new scholarship program aimed at helping to lift the representation of women on Australian boards.

More women being appointed to ASX 200 boards
25 June 2010 | New figures released by the Australian Institute of Company Directors show that the number of women being appointed to ASX 200 boards has increased significantly, lifting significantly the proportion of female board members in Australia's top listed companies.

Directors take the lead in helping put women on boards 
22 April 2010 | Media release announcing the launch of our ASX 200 Chairmen's Mentoring Program.

Video

ASX 200 Chairmen's Mentoring Program Dinner, Sydney

Extracts from a panel discussion exploring practical tips for companies and women to assist women to attain appointments on the boards of Australia?s top listed companies The panel members include Mr David Gonski AC FAICDLife; Ms Belinda Hutchinson AM FAICD and Ms Catherine Brenner FAICD.

The ASX 200 Chairmen's Mentoring Program dinner for NSW-based Mentors and Mentees was held on 8 July 2010, hosted by Freehills.