Issue 7 2008 - acpfg

ISSUE 7 – 2008Support for womenSTEPHANIE AGIUS, ACPFG’s IntellectualProperty Manager, has been selected to participatein the Board Readiness Program of theAustralian Women in IT and Science Entity.A critical element of Board effectivenessis diverse and equitable composition. Yet statistics show that womenhold less than 10% of Board memberships. ACPFG is an exception,with two female Board members of five.The Board Readiness Program equips participants with the skillsrequired to become highly effective Board members and allow them toshowcase these skills to South Australian organisations. It was developedby the Women in Technology (WIT) Queensland Association in 2002and has a high placement rate of graduates into board positions.‘This program is a fantastic opportunity for women to learn aboutthe risks and responsibilities of being a non-executive director,’Stephanie said.During the five month program, she will attend various workshops runby speakers including lawyers from Minter Ellison and lecturers from theAustralian Institute of Company Directors. Workshops cover topics likeboard governance, intellectual property, and financial statements.In addition, candidates are teamed with mentors who have extensiveexperience working with Boards and senior management. Mentorswork with candidates to develop their profile, showcasing the candidates’personnel and professional skills. Profiles are subsequentlypublished and presented to companies the candidates are interestedto target as board members.to break the glass ceilingStephanie Agius talking with Patent Attorney Justin Coombs from Phillips Ormonde FitzpatrickThanks to Business Manager David Harris(front), IT Manager Lachlan Tailby (centre)and Nitrogen Use Efficiency Focus GroupLeader Trevor Garnett (back) for cooking thebarbecue at the ACPFG research meetingin February. Thanks also to receptionistAndrea French for organising it.13