The Governance 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 want to develop their knowledge and skills in corporate governance.
This Program helps participants to:
- contribute to organisational decision-making
- develop their knowledge and skills in corporate governance
- network with autistic people interested in corporate governance and current board directors.
Participants in the Governance Program develop their skills through a series of Program activities including:
- completing online modules on topics including board director’s duties and responsibilities, risk and strategy, financial literacy and effective governance
- attending a 3.5-day/3-night workshop
- completing a practical component.
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Applications open now
Applications for the Governance Program are now open. Applications close 11.59pm Friday 26 April 2024.
Who can apply?
To apply for the Governance Program, you need to:
- identify as autistic
- be aged 18 or older on 26 April 2024
- live in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand*
- be willing and available to participate in all Program activities, and
- have an interest in
- contributing to organisational decision-making
- developing skills and practical knowledge in corporate governance
- networking with autistic people interested in corporate governance and current board directors.
*Aotearoa New Zealand applicants: please note the Program will refer to Australian legislation.
What does the Program involve?
In the Governance Program, you will:
- complete 5 online modules on topics including board director’s duties and responsibilities, risk and strategy, financial literacy, and effective governance (July - September 2024)
- attend 7 online sessions with other people in the Program, via Zoom or phone (1.5 hours every second Saturday, July – September 2024)
- attend a 3.5-day/3-night face-to-face workshop (18-21 October 2024)
- complete a practical component (approximately 5 hours, November 2024 – March 2025)
- be part of a community of autistic peers who learn, from encourage, and support each other
- provide feedback on the Program.
There is no cost to participate in the Governance Program. Travel, meals and accommodation costs for the workshop will be paid for by the Sylvia Rodger Academy.
Response from graduates
“I am confident now that I am well equipped with well-rounded knowledge that the Program has given me. I've also learnt a lot about what board participation looks like and have been inspired by other participants and their experiences. I feel well placed to seek out a board position.” – 2019 Program graduate
“The Governance Program gave me the confidence to apply for roles that I would not have attempted prior to the Program. I feel equipped to apply for and commit to these roles now. Thank you for believing in us and for giving us the opportunity to grow our skills.” – 2019 Program graduate
Further reading
Contact
Tammy McGowan
Project Officer
Sylvia Rodger Academy
0447 682 818
tmcgowan@autismcrc.com.au
Please note that Tammy works part-time and will respond as soon as possible.