Mentoring for Diversity
The Mentoring for Diversity programme is for experienced directors who have the goal of achieving a non-executive director role on a large private company or public sector board, an NZX-listed board or as a trustee for a large not-for-profit organisation.
- Do you want to improve your governance capability with mentoring from one of New Zealand’s top directors?
- Do you want an opportunity to contribute to the governance of a large organisation?
- Can you bring fresh perspectives to the board table – but need help defining your value?
Applications for the 2025 programme will open on 10 March. To find out more, join our 'Ask Me Anything' session on 5 March.
Background
The IoD’s Mentoring for Diversity programme was launched in 2011 to link experienced female directors (mentees) with chairs and senior directors (mentors) from NZX and large-company boards.
The programme was expanded in 2015 to promote board diversity in its wider sense, and we welcome applications on the basis of diversity including gender, ethnicity, LGBTI affinity, age, culture, disability, background, sector and experience.
The programme aims to:
- increase mentees’ understanding of how boards of large organisations work
- enhance the connections between senior directors, adding to the diversity of the director pool and making board-ready talent more visible
- assist mentees to gain knowledge and skills to help them achieve director appointments, particularly in large companies or organisations.
Mentoring
Successful applicants are matched with a senior director for a year-long programme of one-to-one mentoring (usually 6-8 sessions).
The coaching and advice will help you:
- build a deeper understanding of governance practices
- understand the expectations on the boards of large entities
- identify where you may have skill gaps
- develop your unique value proposition as a director.
- See a list of all past mentees on the Mentoring for Diversity programme.
Cohort workshops and networking
During the year-long programme we hold four networking and knowledge-sharing events. This is an opportunity to connect with other mentees and hear from governance experts.
Eligiblity
Click here to see if you meet the criteria for this programme.
Terms and conditions
Click here to view the terms and conditions for the Mentoring for Diversity programme.
Mentor expression of interest
If you are willing to be a mentor in this programme, please register your interest here and we will add you to our potential mentor list. Participation in the programme as a mentor is subject to a suitable match with one of our successful mentees.
Contact
For any other queries regarding the Mentoring for Diversity programme, please contact:
Litia Brighouse-Fuavao
iodprogrammes@iod.org.nz
027 444 7371