“I’m witnessing a pivotal moment in Hireup’s history”: Todd Winther on being a board observer 

For the past six months, I’ve been tremendously fortunate to be a part of the Hireup board observership program. 

It has allowed me to sit in all of Hireup’s board meetings and be involved in conversations as a person that is outside the organisation. At times these conversations have been difficult and highly confidential. And yet all board members have been extremely forthcoming with their opinions, expertise and feedback. Consequently, my time on the board has been eye-opening. Being a part of these meetings has underscored that I am witnessing a pivotal moment in Hireup’s history. 

I joined the program realising that I had knowledge of how public policy decisions are made and how other decisions are made on the ground level of organisations that directly impact participants, like myself. But prior to the program I didn’t understand how the disability sector works in a corporate context.

I had to learn how providers operate from a strategic perspective, knowing that the disability sector is constantly evolving, but they’re not always in control of this process. 

You would think it’d be daunting for an outsider to share their opinion at the board level. But I’m often asked for my feedback and input. Despite my limited knowledge in this environment, the entire board has welcomed my ability to contribute to discussions as a participant and somebody with my own skill set. 

The Hireup support office team and the board have been tremendously open in giving me the time and resources so I can learn on the job. In addition, I’ve had regular discussions with individual departments, particularly with both co-founders and co-CEOs Laura and Jordan O’Reilly, who have acted as mentors and personal champions.

Attending board meetings has been a steep learning curve, but it has allowed me to realise what skills I need to acquire to continue my professional development in the sector. After all, anybody can get feedback, but not everyone has decision-making power.

My next challenge is to complete a course on the foundations of being a board member offered by the Australian Institute of Company Directors at the end of the year. I’ll be able to combine the practical skills that I have learnt at Hireup board meetings with the theories I need to one day become a board member of a company in my own right. 

Because that’s how significant change at the corporate level is made. 

If you’re a person with disability and are interested in being Hireup’s next board observer, send in your application today. Applications close Friday, 7th October.

Apply now