A group of young professionals is preparing to take up board internships after completing a program that aims to support emerging leaders in aged care.
Greg Milner is a lawyer, writer and aged care sector volunteer.
He’s also an aspiring leader who, along with 19 other young professionals, will later this month graduate from the Emerging Leaders in Governance Program.
The Perth-based initiative has been inspiring and supporting young professionals to volunteer in governance and leadership roles in the not-for-profit aged care sector.
“The course offers an opportunity to broaden your own skills and knowledge, as well as showcase your abilities to senior figures in the aged care and community sectors,” said Mr Milner.
“It’s an excellent initiative.”
The scholarship program, which trains participants to be “board ready”, works with 35 community organisations in Western Australia to help graduates find mentors and often secure director internships.
The four-month program was developed by Alicia Curtis and Dr Nicky Howe, authors of Difference Makers: A Leader’s Guide to Championing Diversity on Boards, which argues that companies with boards featuring gender and ethnic diversity enjoy improved financial performance and increased innovation.
The Perth program draws on this research and adds two further elements of diversity that arguably receive less public attention: age and skill, said Mr Milner.
He said the program reflected a deeper understanding of why diversity was important. “It’s a means of building a wide church, where all views are heard, and where the best solutions are found.”
The program was commendable for providing a platform for young leaders and community organisations to form mutually-beneficial relationships, Mr Milner said.
Mr Milner and his fellow participants will graduate from the program on 17 May.
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