Pathways To Governance presentation from the SpringBoard Wellington event 15 June 2010. This information was adapted from the SpringBoard NZ document http://www.springboardnz.org/files/Building_Governance_Experience.pdf

1. Introduction to Governance Pathways SpringBoard Wellington - 15 June, 2010

2. Aspiring Directors Here are a few tips from SpringBoard members about moving from ‘aspiring’ to ‘actual’ directorship. Pathways include: Professional Career Progression Investor Not For Profit

3. Become involved Community Take up a community governance position in a field of interest. School boards or sports groups can be very good training. Committees have to deal with diverse stakeholders, tight resources, and people issues - similar issues you will encounter in bigger or more commercial environments. Networking Spread the word – tell friends, families, contacts and colleagues that you’re keen. It’s unlikely you will ever be shoulder tapped for your first governance appointment! If you don’t ask you often don’t get.

4. Get exposed Gain exposure through executive roles Present papers, work alongside the MD or CEO on board reporting and mix with board members when the opportunity arises. It’s a great way of seeing the questions directors ask and how Boards operate first-hand. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Sit in on a board meeting Boards are becoming increasingly open to requests for observer status to bona fide applicants or those wanting to learn. Be prepared to be asked to leave during more sensitive agenda items. Observer status is a great way of "learning by osmosis".

5. First Roles Not for Profit/Social Enterprise Board Often NFP boards will have broader selection criteria but pick your NFP carefully. Look for well run boards with member continuity and people who you can learn from. Leverage your subject matter expertise when marketing yourself, whether that is marketing, finance, community, HR, legal or similar.

6. Upskill Governance training Formal governance training will be well received when applying for governance roles. SpringBoard is developing bespoke professional development during 2010. Until then check out: EMA’s Directions in Governance (http://www.ema.co.nz/Performance_in_the_Boardroom.html) HSR Governance (http://hsrgovernance.com/training.html) Women Directors (http://womendirectors.co.nz/) Chartered Secretaries New Zealand (http://www.csnz.org/Category?Action=View&Category_id=174) Federation of Maori Authorities (http://www.foma.co.nz/our_services/training.htm) Institute of Directors (http://www.iod.org.nz/training.aspx) You may also find the book Great Governance – How the Best Boards Work (Doug Matheson) useful

7. Promote yourself Consider getting your governance CV professionally prepared. What do YOU bring? Be specific: Ability to add value; Ability to communicate clearly, orally and in writing Ability to take a wide perspective on issues Common sense, integrity and a strong sense of ethics Organisational and strategic awareness; Knowledge of the responsibilities of a director and an ability to distinguish corporate governance from management Financial literacy Well-developed critical faculty Confidence Teamwork

8. Register Tell the world you’re available and interested There are a number of databases in New Zealand for those seeking board appointments. These include: Crown Ownership Monitoring Unit (http://www.boardappointments.co.nz/) Ministry of Women’s Affairs – Women on Boards (http://www.mwa.govt.nz/women-on-boards) Find Directors (http://www.finddirectors.com/) Women Directors (http://womendirectors.co.nz/seeker/default.asp)