Chair's Mentoring Program

What is the Chair’s Mentoring Program?

The Chair’s Mentoring Program is the AICD’s flagship board diversity initiative, which matches qualified and experienced female directors with leading ASX 200 company chairs and non-executive directors for one-on-one mentoring and a range of professional development offerings.

Mentees will advance their governance knowledge, establish their unique value proposition, gain unique boardroom insights and extend their professional director networks.

This is one of a number of AICD initiatives aimed at improving board performance and governance through diversity.

What is the aim of the Program?

The Program introduces Mentees to chairs and experienced past and current ASX 200 directors (‘Mentors’) with the aim of assisting the Mentees to:

• Gain insights into their unique value proposition for boards
• Increase their practical knowledge of governance issues in listed companies and how listed company boards operate
• Gain valuable insight, advice and guidance on the process of selecting and appointing new directors
• Foster connections with influential business leaders
• Develop and prepare for the next step in their director journeys

The Program is also designed to enhance the connections of chairs and experienced directors of ASX 200 listed companies with a pool of experienced and skilled women who may be suitable for director roles.

In the long-term, it is hoped that the Program will assist Mentees (through the provision of advice, guidance and support of Mentors) to contribute effectively as directors and achieve their professional goals.

Although it is hoped the Program will assist the Mentees achieve board appointments, this is neither the role of, nor within the control of, either the Mentor or the AICD.

Who are the Mentors?

The Mentors are past and current chairs or experienced non-executive directors of ASX 200 listed companies.

Where are the Program launch events?

The Program will be officially launched at events in Sydney and Melbourne in February 2025. An evening launch networking event will be followed by a one-day Masterclass for the Mentees.

Mentees are required to attend the launch event and Masterclass in either Sydney or Melbourne. Costs of flights and accommodation to these events will be covered by AICD for mentees residing outside of NSW and VIC.* Additional expenses, such as food and taxi costs, will not be covered and the AICD will confirm travel requirements and communicate the logistical arrangements to the successful applicants.

*Terms and conditions apply

As the successful applicants will be notified of their inclusion in the Program during the week commencing 28th October, we advise all applicants to hold the Sydney and Melbourne launch dates in their diaries. Interstate applicants should also factor in travel the day prior and after the launch events. The Masterclasses and program launches will be hosted in Sydney and Melbourne only, due to the small number of Mentees that reside in the other states.

What are the other Program events?

 A series of events and workshops will be held throughout the Program period;

• There will be two Sydney and two Melbourne workshops over the Program period. Participants may attend either the Sydney OR Melbourne workshops.
• A series of director lunches will be held in other cities to provide face-to-face networking opportunities for all Mentees.

A schedule will be provided to the Mentees before the start of the Program.

How much does it cost to apply?

There is no participation or application fee for the Chair’s Mentoring Program. Mentors agree to participate in the Program on a voluntary basis.

Mentees residing outside of NSW and VIC will have their accommodation and flights to the launch, masterclass and close events paid for*. Additional expenses, such as food and taxi costs, will not be covered.

*Terms and conditions apply

Why is the Program only available to women?

The Program is only open to female applicants as the aim of the Program is to increase the representation of women on the boards of Australian companies. In 2015 the AICD called for ASX 200 companies to achieve 30% of women on boards by the end of 2018. Since then, there has been an increase of over 10 per cent, with women currently accounting for 45% of new ASX 200 board appointments (as at 3 June 2024). AICD intends to continue advocating for sustained gender parity on Australian boards. This program forms part of AICD’s efforts to continue encouraging all Australian companies to achieve gender balance on their boards.

About the Mentee and Mentor Selection Process

How are the Mentees selected?

 The AICD will be responsible for managing the Mentee application process. Applications will be reviewed by an Advisory Selection Committee comprising representatives from AICD, senior ASX 200 directors and other key stakeholders.

Initial shortlisted applications will then participate in an online interview with representatives from a search firm. Final decisions will be made by the Selection Committee.

Shortlisted candidates that aren’t selected for the Program will be provided with feedback regarding their application and interview from the search firm. Due to the high number of applications received, we will not be able to provide feedback to applicants not shortlisted.

Successful Applicants will be notified during the week commencing 28^th October (timing depends on the matching process with the Mentors).

Update: Due to the large amount of applications received, successful applicants will now be notified during the week commencing 11th November. We apologise for any inconvenience.

The decision of the Advisory Selection Committee is final and no further review or discussion will be entered into with any applicant to the Program.

Can I be mentored by someone from a different state?

In most instances Mentors have a preference to mentor someone from their home state. An exception may be made at the Mentor’s discretion and, in these cases; preference will be given to Mentees who apply from the Northern Territory.

If selected, will I be guaranteed to be matched with a Mentor from my preferred industry?

When matching a Mentee with a suitable Mentor, any preferences included by the Mentee in their application will be taken into account, however AICD makes no guarantee that all requests will be met. Any professional conflict of interest and Mentor preferences will be taken into account.

Mentor/Mentee matching will be administered and carried out by the Selection Committee.

How many Mentees will be selected for the Mentoring Program?

We anticipate that between 30 and 40 Mentee/Mentor pairs will participate in the Program in 2025 however, final numbers will not be known until applications are finalised.

Will Mentees be offered a board position?

While it is hoped that Mentees will obtain additional board appointments in the future, AICD makes no representation or guarantee as to the Mentee’s likelihood of being offered a board position. Note, Mentors are not obligated nor encouraged by the AICD to act as Sponsors.

What happens if I need to resign from the Program for any reason?

Mentors and Mentees are free to resign from the Program at any time by contacting the coordinators of the Chair’s Mentoring Program at the AICD.

If a Mentor withdraws from the Program, the AICD will use its best endeavours to find a suitable alternative Mentor, however AICD makes no guarantee that this will be possible.

Will a list of the Mentees be published?

A booklet containing the names of the Mentees and short bios of their professional careers and achievements will also be published on the Chair’s Mentoring Page of our website. View our previous Mentees.

What are the Terms and Conditions of the Program?

Please refer to the Eligibility and Selection Criteria outlined on this page.  You must also agree to AICD’s Terms and Conditions before your Application will be considered for the Program.

Any further questions?

Contact our team via email.