Women Directors Given Boost by IoD Mentoring Programme

28 November 2013

Women Directors Given Boost by IoD Mentoring Programme

As the topic of diversity continues to make headlines, the Institute of Directors (IoD) gathered to celebrate the contribution their Mentoring for Diversity programme has made to improving statistics.

Successful applicants for the third year of the programme were announced at a function in Auckland last night which included speeches from the Minister of Women’s Affairs – Hon Jo Goodhew and two current mentees – Julia Hoare and Rangimarie Hunia.

Speaking at the launch, loD President Stuart McLauchlan said "The IoD strongly believes in the benefits and merits of true diversity on boards which is why we started the Mentoring for Diversity programme in 2011. While true diversity is about diversity of thought which comes from more than gender, gender was an important place to start. We believe there are capable women ready and able to serve on boards of all levels in New Zealand. These women want to be there on their own merit, not to ‘make up the numbers’. Boards want a range of skilled people to diversify thinking and improve decision making. Mentoring for Diversity is about developing connections and bridging that gap.”

Julia Hoare, a 2013 mentee, also spoke at the launch “I have gained enormous value from both my mentoring relationship and the programme overall. My mentor provided insights and perspectives, and challenged my thinking. We discussed my opportunities, and which were the best fit for me, culminating in four board appointments. A further and important part of the programme was the opportunity to share experiences with fellow mentees. These relationships meant we also benefited from the collective wisdom of the wider mentor group.”

Mr McLauchlan said “While there is still much work to be done to create the paradigm shift that is needed, I think we are starting to see results in many areas, including our own membership base. Over the last eight years the percentage of female IoD members has increased by over 130%. While one of the long-term hopes was that Mentoring for Diversity would assist mentees in gaining board positions, we did not expect to see such success in this area with 12 appointments to large or listed company boards including one that is also ASX-listed. This is a fantastic result and is testament to the programme, its mentors and mentees.”

21 women mentees have been selected to take part in the 2014 programme from more than 70 applicants. The selection panel was comprised of IoD President Stuart McLauchlan, Vice-President Michael Stiassny and experienced director Sarah Ottrey.

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