Executive Program

Executive Program

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) is committed to raising organisational standards so that all women can thrive and succeed in all workplaces within the sporting sector. We recognise that women from culturally and racially marginalised backgrounds, First Nations women, women with disability and gender diverse individuals have significantly lower representation in leadership roles in organisations big and small. To be truly representative of our communities, we need to provide a sector that ensures any systemic barriers are removed and a culturally safe and inclusive environment is created.

Important dates

Applications are now closed

• Applications open 9:00am (AEDT) Monday 30 October 2023
• Applications close 5:00pm (AEDT) Friday 1 December 2023
• Outcomes notified to all applicants Early February 2024

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The program will include:

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Assessment & Action Plan

Assessment across ten diversity standards developed by industry experts and informed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Organisations will receive a tailored report on what the organisation is doing well and areas for improvement, along with an action plan and resources to help implement.

DEI and Gender Equity Basics Workshops

A facilitated introduction to diversity, equity and inclusion suitable for all within the organisation to attend. It will spark conversations and raise awareness that small changes can make a big difference to the cultur

Implementation Support

6 hours with an Account Manager to support organisations with their strategy and action plans to make progress towards an inclusive and equitable workplace.

APPLY NOW if your organisation wants to:

• be equipped with the latest diversity, equity and inclusion practices
• have greater worked knowledge to improve gender equity within their organisation
• be able to take actions that will attract, nurture and retain a diverse workforce
• have tools and resources to optimise further organisational growth in the diversity and gender equity space.

Eligibility criteria

• Be a National Sporting Organisation, a National Sporting Organisation for people with disability, recognised by the ASC (Australian Sports Directory) or;
• be a State/Territory Sporting Organisation of a national body who has previously completed the Executive Program.
• Have the commitment of, and a letter of support from, the Chair or CEO
• Organisation has made a commitment in their strategy to improve/address gender equality
• Organisation has no outstanding acquittal or reporting requirements with the ASC
• Organisation employs more than 5 staff members
• Organisation is not named in the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse on its list of “Institutions that have not joined or signified their intent to join the Scheme”.

*The ASC may at its sole discretion, offer an applicant special consideration if an eligibility requirement set out in these guidelines cannot be met due to extenuating circumstances. Please contact wlis@ausport.gov.au if you have any questions about your eligibility or visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.

Letter of support

A letter of support must accompany the Executive Program application (uploaded at time of application)

The following information needs to be addressed in the letter:

Please limit the supporting letter to one page

1. Outline the support and commitment to the program on behalf of the organisation
   1. It is expected the Chair, CEO or member of the executive team have responsibility for championing this project
2. Identify how this project contributes to achieving the priorities of the organisation, include any relevant statistics and data
3. The letter must be signed by the CEO/ Chair/ or equivalent

Please note: If you are the CEO applying on behalf of the organisation, please seek endorsement from Chair or board member.

Assessment Criteria

Applicants must address the following assessment criteria in their application. Eligible applications will be assessed against these criteria:

1. Describe how your organisation is proactively ensuring that women of all abilities and cultural and religious backgrounds have equal opportunity as part of your organisational strategy
2. Describe how the implementation of the key components of the Executive Program will achieve the objectives outlined in your organisation strategy
3. Describe how your organisation supports and provides progression towards gender equity

Executive Program Update

2024

2023

2022

The 15 NSOs in the first intake for this program are now working through their gender equity audit, identifying areas for improvement and embedding their gender equity action plans.

Testimonials

“Surf Life Saving Australia was delighted to be a successful recipient of the WLIS Executive Program. We found the inclusive hiring workshop run to be really valuable in challenging unconscious biases, assisting us to better communicate our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and providing practical strategies to attract more women when advertising for jobs.”

Surf Life Saving Australia

“Being a part of the WLIS Executive Program has given Archery Australia the opportunity to stop, reflect and improve on our processes to make our environment supportive and inviting for women to work in. We want Archery to be a sport for all, for life, and this program has allowed us to take pivotal steps towards that goal by providing a differing lens and way of thinking to how we operate as an organisation.”

Archery Australia

“We wouldn’t have shifted the needle on so many HR and organisational initiatives if we hadn’t had such wonderful resources at our fingertips. The program has provided tailored support and knowledge sessions on key topics to enable us to get policies drafted toward achieving some critical strategic initiatives. ”

Triathlon Australia

“For rowing, the strength of the program has given us real skills to use. Not just suggestions but how to break down a situation, prepare for it and to view it from the perspective of a second and third person. It has provided us with tools to solve issues and look at leadership challenges with our team by thinking differently.

The executive program has allowed our leadership team to reimagine the future and the workforce capabilities we need as an organisation to effect change. As a result of the Executive Program we have been able to develop the following policies:

• Inclusion and Diversity Policy
• Flexible Working Arrangement Policy
• Family Leave Policy
• Domestic and Family Violence Policies”

Rowing Australia

For more information

Contact the Executive Program team – WLIS@ausport.gov.au.