Youth has its benefits at the Institute of Directors

11 April 2013
Youth has its benefits at the Institute of Directors

For those with an interest in becoming a director, youth has just become an advantage. In a bid to promote board diversity and attract more younger and aspiring directors, the Institute of Directors (IoD) has dropped the cost of membership for those under 40 by more than 40%.

Chief Executive Ralph Chivers says, “This is a win-win for emerging directors and the IoD. We are keen to see more people join us earlier in their career to make sure that New Zealand has a great pipeline of the next generation of directors. Creating a pipeline of individuals with the ‘right stuff’ to become tomorrow’s directors will help to ensure the future of New Zealand companies. Equally important, it is a vital tool to increase diversity in New Zealand boardrooms.”

As part of a move to encourage younger directors, the Auckland branch of the IoD recently signed an MOU with SpringBoard, a not-for-profit that represents the interests of emerging directors. This lays the foundation for both groups to join forces to encourage a pipeline of directors with a wide range of skills and experience.

“It is great to see the IoD taking practical steps to demonstrate their commitment to developing the next generation of directors. We look forward to working with them in the future to strengthen the standard of governance in this country,” says SpringBoard co-founder Vicky Taylor.

Mr Chivers says, “This initiative is the next tool to be added to our toolbox in our drive for diversity on boards in New Zealand. When added to our Mentoring for Diversity, Aspiring Directors and Future Directors programmes and our relationship with SpringBoard, it positions us well to drive greater representation of women and younger directors on boards.”

“We encourage anyone under 40 who is interested in a governance career to consider joining the IoD and let us help you develop the skills to be part of the next generation of directors,” says Mr Chivers.

The new membership fee for those under 40 is $250 (inc GST) and as an added bonus, the joining fee (normally $150) will be waived for anyone under 40 who joins in the first six months.

For more information please visit www.iod.org.nz

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