Our Initiatives
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.
Our actions to increase board diversity include:
- Publishing a booklet providing early-adopter case studies for the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations on diversity. It also contains a sample diversity policy and strategy document to assist entities with embedding diversity within the culture of their organisation (download a black & white printer-friendly copy);
- Publishing a booklet explaining the changes to the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations on diversity, providing practical tips to help entities get started on developing diversity policies and measureable objectives (download a black & white printer friendly copy);
- Providing new recommendations for boards to adopt, and report on, diversity policies and goals for the board and senior management and additional recommendations for greater transparency in board selection processes and reporting;
- Conducting our 2011/12 Chairmen's Mentoring Program, following the success of our 2010 program, bringing together senior listed company chairmen and emerging women directors;
- Developing a scholarship program (assisted by $200,000 in funding from the Australian Government) and other educational initiatives;
- Expanding our online service to assist current and aspiring directors in finding board positions - Directorship Opportunities;
- Publishing our online information directory providing useful links to organisations that provide services relevant to diversity and women;
- Conducting additional briefings, seminars and other events tailored to the needs of aspiring women directors; and
- Producing the publication Tomorrow's boards - creating balanced and effective boards, providing guidance for boards and search professionals on board composition and selection that highlights the advantages of diversity and widening the candidate pool.