UNE Deputy Chancellor Jan McClelland AM has just been appointed to the board of NSW Circular, a network that unites government, industry, university and not-for-profit stakeholders to create a circular economy. The experienced company director and consultant is passionate about reducing waste, and promoting sustainability and development in regional Australia, so it's an ideal fit.
"NSW Circular is about having conversations and creating linkages to solve problems for the benefit of all," Jan said. "There are real economic pressures on communities to reduce waste to landfill, encourage recycling and to make and re-use goods sustainably. There are also huge opportunities to collaborate and develop innovative solutions that create economic growth."
It's the latest in an impressive series of board memberships across government, private and not-for-profit sectors that began for Jan in 2004. "My board membership is about giving back to the community," she says. "A good board brings together people with a diverse range of skills and backgrounds, who each bring a different perspective.
Boards will typically do a skills matrix and look at the skills they have and where the gaps are. They're not only looking for skills in a particular industry and financial management but also broad governance skills, an ability to ask questions, critical thinking, risk management, communication skills and stakeholder engagement experience.
So what if you are keen to pursue a board career? "I recommend being clear on what your strengths are; what value you bring to a board, and I strongly advise doing the Australian Institute of Company Directors' diploma course," Jan says. "The institute and Women on Boards also offer scholarship and mentoring programs."
Jan is keen to see more young professionals on boards. "We talk about diversity, and often people see that as gender-based," she says. "I see it more as skills-based, but I also think it's important to have people from different cultural backgrounds and of different ages. No-one is ever too young to sit on a board. If you feel you are ready, then talk to people and let them know you are interested. Sitting on a not-for-profit board can be a great start."
Throughout her own board career, Jan has appreciated learning about a diverse range of industries, working with "highly talented and creative people", and developing herself.
"There are huge benefits, beyond expanding your own business network," she says. "You have to learn to listen to other people's views, reflect on how they align with your views, consider what's best for the organisation. And hopefully you make a difference to the organisation and the people it serves. It provides some fantastic experiences.
"More and more young people, particularly women who have been in professional roles and are having families, are looking at board roles very seriously because they can continue to use their professional skills and contribute to organisations and the community but also enjoy the flexibility their family needs. "
