PSC Advisory Board Observership Program

The observer will contribute to overcoming the structural and attitudinal barriers that limit diversity on boards while developing their expertise in board directorship to help further their career. Through attendance, targeted training, and mentorship, they will build the skills needed to feel confident in a boardroom and foster their professional network.

The observer will receive:

• the opportunity to attend PSC Advisory Board meetings and contribute to discussions, including exposure to how strategic direction is determined in the PSC
• exposure to help prepare for future directorships by learning about the principles and functions of the board, the roles of board members, fiscal processes, and other governance priorities
• access to experienced leaders with broad expertise
• training through the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ Foundations of Directorship course
• one-to-one executive mentoring from a board member.

Applicants must be a current NSW public sector employee at Clerk Grade 9/10 (or equivalent) or higher and must have disability. Applicants can self-nominate, or any NSW public sector employee can nominate an eligible colleague to participate in the program.

While applicants are not required to share information about their disability, this program has been specifically designed for people with disability.

The successful applicant will have:

• leadership experience in the public sector
• ambition to take on a director, secretariat or committee member role with other boards across NSW in the future
• interest in furthering understanding of the Australian disability sector, experiences and community.

The program follows a social model of disability. A disability is an impairment or health condition that lasts, or has lasted, for at least six months. It could be physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory (e.g., hearing, sight) in nature. In interaction with barriers, a disability may prevent a person’s participation in the community on an equal basis. This could be all of the time or only some of the time.

The observer will be required to attend 4-6 PSC Advisory Board meetings during work time over the 2022-23 financial year. They will be required to sign an agreement which outlines the roles and responsibilities of both parties as well as provide assurance that they will adhere to strict confidentiality regarding board matters. The observer will have no formal voting rights or obligations.

Please note, this is a voluntary, unpaid position. Travel expenses can be reimbursed (limits apply).