27 March 2018 – Being a board member can be extremely rewarding but also intimidating when you first start out which is why Life Unlimited trustee Tiffiney Perry is encouraging people to consider applying for an emerging director award.
Her comments come following the recent announcement by the Waikato branch of the Institute of Directors that nominations for its two emerging director awards are about to open.
Life Unlimited Charitable Trust is the sponsoring board for the Emerging Director Award – Disability Sector, which started two years ago when Hamilton chartered accountant Maree Haddon was the first recipient.
The award is specifically for an aspiring director with a disability, or with a close family member who has a disability. Maree is a mother of two boys both of who have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. She serves on the Enrich+ board.
“I think this award is encouraging for disabled people who are considering a step up to becoming a board member in their community or in business,” said Tiffiney, who is a wheelchair user.
“By partnering with Life Unlimited and the Institute of Directors the recipient of this award will receive financial assistance to put towards gaining more tools to sit on their chosen board.
“This along with the valuable mentoring of Life Unlimited trustees and our experienced chair John Dobson will result in gaining the confidence that will set this recipient up for future boards and management roles of their choosing.
“Opportunities for people with a disability or their family to become board members are very rare. This award provides a platform for people interested in governance to get a foot in the door,” she said.
Institute of Directors Waikato branch chair Simon Lockwood said the awards provided valuable development and networking opportunities for the winners.
The awards are designed to foster upcoming talent in governance, and winners receive the opportunity to be mentored by an experienced director for one year, funding for governance development, and a complimentary one-year IoD membership.
“We are looking to promote a cohort of emerging director talent in the Waikato that will want to utilise the award process as their platform for a governance pathway and who understand the opportunity which it brings,” said Simon.
The awards have developed a strong legacy in the Waikato, with past winners going on to contribute to boards of significance in the region; as well as; mentor future emerging directors.
“The impact of this award and how it energises emerging director talent is without question.”
The Emerging Director Award, won two years ago by Daniel Shore, was first run in 2011.
Applications for this year’s awards are now open and close on 23 July 2018.
“All the same criteria and timelines apply to each sponsoring board but by thinking ahead we can attract a significant talent pool that will contribute to the region for years to come,” said Simon.
For further details contact Megan Beveridge, Institute of Directors Waikato branch manager, [email protected]
