2024 Governance residential
The Sylvia Rodger Academy hosted its 2024 Governance Program residential workshop in October. Eighteen autistic adults from across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand gathered to develop their skills in corporate governance.
The Program is for autistic adults who are interested in taking a role on a board or other governance body, such as an advisory council, and helps participants to contribute to organisational decision-making, develop their knowledge and skills in corporate governance and network with autistic people who are interested in corporate governance.
After arriving on Friday afternoon, meeting the delivery team and getting settled into the hotel, participants were welcomed into ‘autistic space’ – a safe environment for participants to feel comfortable wearing sunglasses or headphones, use fidgets, stim and take breaks.
In the evenings, participants had the chance to socialise over dinner and form new connections.
Workshop sessions on Saturday covered imposter syndrome, board culture, strategic planning, operations versus strategy and responsible governance.
On Sunday, participants engaged in sessions on financial literacy, chairing and meetings, and had access to a board member Q&A panel. Participants also had the opportunity to participate in mock board meetings.
In the evening, participants were joined by members of the Autism CRC Board and Sylvia Rodger Academy alumni for a trivia night.
Many participants spoke highly of the Governance Program and expressed their gratitude to the delivery team for being welcomed into autistic space and how it made it much easier to be able to engage with the workshop content.
Quotes from participants:
“I found it all so useful! It was a Masterclass in inclusive practice. I have never felt so welcome or safe at an event”.
“I have come away more connected to my community, with a stronger sense of group identity and renewed passion for advocacy and governance”.
“They've included a lot of up-to-date, relevant, clearly explained information that has been easy to follow and make sense of."
The Governance Program is funded by Autism CRC.
First image: From left to right: Rebecca Gannon, Sheila Gough and Kathy Isaacs.
Second image: Group photo with Program participants, Delivery Team & Support Team members.
Third image: From left to right: Linda Mayer, Anna Colbasso and Claire Gibellini.
Fourth image: Andrew Radford with Raymond the dog.
Fifth image: From left to right: Autism CRC Chair, Rob van Barneveld, Paul Vincent and Karen McEwan.
Sixth image: From left to right: Melissa Crockett-Joyoue, Karen McEwan and Autism CRC Chair, Rob van Barneveld.