Board Scholarship Program 2019

The only scholarship of its kind that combines the training and education required to gain a board appointment with the practical experience of being a board member. A truly unique offering for Commercial, Not for Profit or Government CEOs and HR Leaders.

Board Direction, in partnership with Prima Careers, is excited to announce that The Board Direction Board Scholarship Program is now open for applications from HR Leaders and CEOs.

Lodge your application today to gain all the training, support and practical experience you need to start your board career.

The Scholarships Available

There are four(4) separate scholarships available – two for current CEOs and two for current HR Leaders representing organisations with estimated turnovers of over and under $100M.

Individuals representing any organisation qualify including commercial, NFPs, government, universities, charities, start-ups.

The Judging Panel

We have assembled a world class judging panel to assess all scholarship applications. Our panel include: Kyle Loades (ex-President of the NRMA and CUA Board Member), Ann Sherry (AO, Chair, UNICEF Australia, NED NAB and Sydney Airport), Jenni Smith (GEO, QBE Insurance and board roles in SMSF, digital, and education companies), Philippa Taylor (a NED and past global and national Head of HR roles in ASX and commercial entities and David Schwarz (NED and CEO, Board Direction).

The Scholarship

The four (4) winners of our scholarship programs will receive a 12-month NED Program scholarship valued at over $15,000 comprising the following elements:

A Board Career Planning Session: with David Schwarz – defining your board career aspirations and planning your journey ahead.
A bespoke Board CV is written for you: Written by David Schwarz – Australia’s leading board appointment professional.
LinkedIn Profile Update: A LinkedIn profile that articulates your board aspirations & abilities.
LinkedIn Training: By David Schwarz – A Top 10 LinkedIn user with over 30,000 NED connections.
Board Vacancies: Access to thousands of board opportunities – via the Board Direction website.
Interview Preparation: A ‘real’ interview with a real recruiter with honest feedback.
Application Writing: Your first application – the basis of which can be used for future applications.
Unlimited application Support: Critiquing and editing each and every application you write prior to submission.
The Board Search Course: A 12 month online training course.
Monthly Coaching Sessions: Holding you accountable and ensuring your long-term success.
Board Search Masterclass (in person): In person or online – defining the journey ahead with all the templates and information you need to separate you from your competitors.
NED Directory Profile: A LinkedIn for board members – a tool that organisations use to recruit board members.
The Board Book: The definitive guide to finding and gaining a non-executive directorship.
Weekly Board Appointment Advice: Emailed to you every week.

PLUS each winner will be invited to shadow a board of a non-competing organisation that reflects, their experience, interests and ability.

The Assessment Process

Judging each submission promises to be a difficult task which is why we ask all interested in applying for the Scholarships to consider their applications carefully. Once received all applications will assessed against each of the criteria outlined below:

Leadership Success.
Professional Development.
Extra-Professional Activity
Commitment to gaining a board appointment.
How you will leverage this scholarship.

For clarity on the application or assessment process please contact us directly.

Timetable

Applications Open – June 7th
Applications Close – July 5th
Applications Assessed – Early/Mid July
Interviews Held with shortlisted candidates – Late July/Early August
Winning Candidates Announced – Early/Mid August.

Next Steps

These scholarships promise to be highly sought after. Completing the form below allow our Judging Panel to accurately assess your submission. To apply simply complete the form below. Don’t delay applications close July 5th.

All applicants will receive notification that their submission was successfully received by email upon receipt of your application. Should you not receive this information please contact us directly.

Board Scholarship Application Form 2019

Name*
First Last
Email*
Phone*
Which Board Direction Scholarship are you interested in registering for?*
Only current HR leaders may apply for the HR Scholarship and only current CEOs may apply for the CEO Scholarship.
The title of your current position.*
The name of the organisation you currently work for.*
Estimated annual turnover of the organisation you currently represent.*
- Over $100M
- Under $100M
Your response to this question will determine which Scholarship you will be considered for. There are 4 separate scholarships available 2 x for CEOs representing organisations with turnovers of over (1) or under (2) $100M and 2 x 2 x for HR Leaders representing organisations with turnovers of over (3) or under (4) $100M
Have you held a Non Executive board appointment before?
- Yes - currently
- Yes - in the past
- No never.
Selection Criteria 1. Please outline your senior leadership successes.*
Please tell us about your executive successes paying particular attention to how they might support your application and be relevant in a board context. (1500 Character limit).
Selection Criteria 2. Please tell us about your own professional development activities.*
We are particularly interested in any governance training/qualifications you have undertaken. (1500 Character limit).
Selection Criteria 3. Please tell us about your extra professional activities. your commitment to supporting the wider community and your profession/industry.*
Please tell us about your extra-professional activities. In particular your support of the wider industry in which work, your work with Charities/Not for Profits or other activities that demonstrate you have gone beyond what might be expected in your professional life. (1500 Character limit).
Selection Criteria 4. Please tell us about your commitment to developing a board career or gaining a board appointment.*
Please tell us about what steps you have taken to gain a board appointment or to develop a board career. (1500 Character limit).
Selection Criteria 5. Please tell us about how you would benefit from winning this scholarship.*
Please tell us about what sort of board you aspire to sit on, why you would like a board appointment and what contribution you would like to make as a NED. (1500 Character limit).
Referee: Please provide the name and contact details (email address and phone no.) of your current Chair or CEO - they must be able to support your application.
In order for us to consider your application we require your current CEO or Chair to support your application. If you are applying for the CEO Scholarship we require your Chair's details. If you are applying for the HR Scholarship we require your CEO/Chair's details. (1500 Character limit).
Consent*
I agree to receive information emailed to me from Board Direction
Please upload your Board/NED CV*