A scholarship program announced today will help Western Australian women gain the skills needed to take on more senior roles on Government boards.
Women’s Interests Minister Sue Ellery said the Company Director’s Scholarship Program would give women from the community sector the opportunity to undertake the nationally accredited Company Director’s Course.
“The State Government has provided funding of more than $60,000 to assist 10 women to take part in this prestigious national program,” Ms Ellery said.
“Many WA women already participate in the government and not-for-profit sectors and we want to help them take on more influential roles on State Government boards and committees.
“Indigenous and migrant women, rural and remote women, sole parents and carers, and people with disabilities, are all encouraged to apply so they can use their unique experiences and diversity to shape government policy.
“Since the start of 2008, 44 per cent of all appointments to State Government boards and committees were women.
“These scholarships will target women on the State Government’s Interested Persons Register and those who have served on boards and advisory committees in the not-for profit sector in the past.”
The Interested Persons Register allows members of the public to submit their details to the Department of the Premier and Cabinet so that Ministers and agencies can match suitable applicants with vacancies on boards and committees.
The Company Directors Course provides comprehensive coverage of the roles and responsibilities of a director, while challenging participants to go beyond compliance to improve their effectiveness in the boardroom.
The course requires 110 hours of study time which can be undertaken in an intensive five-day course, or done externally with flexible working options.
Women’s Advisory Network of WA chair Angela Hartwig said it was important that women maintained a high profile in government organisations, showing leadership by participating in boards and committees to ensure their views were heard and their input helped form government policy.
“These scholarships promote leadership at a community level, while giving women a recognised qualification and the ability to demonstrate the added value that women bring to a board or committee,” Ms Hartwig said.
Applications for the scholarships open on Tuesday, July 15 and close on Monday, September 1. Recipients will be announced in October.
Applicants must:
· have been a resident in WA for at least two years;
· be involved in the community with strong experience as a member of an unpaid community board or committee;
· be an aspiring director (currently serving on a board) and have taken steps to indicate this; or a newly appointed director of a Government or non-Government organisation;
· be interested in attaining the qualification as a company director;
· be willing to submit an application outlining skills and abilities, plus short-term and longer-term goals;
· provide services to a diverse group of WA women or be a member of a diverse target group; and
· provide two referees who are accessible to the selection panel.
Nomination forms are available from the Department for Communities by telephoning (08) 6217 8200 or at http://www.communities.wa.gov.au
Minister's office - 9213 7150 
