GOAL: Get Onboard and Lead

Here are just some of the great reasons that organisations should support and embrace gender diversity in leadership roles.

There is immense economic, cultural, social and health benefits to having more women and girls involved in all aspects of sport and recreation in Western Australia.

Inclusive organisations are better able to attract and retain top talent, and create an environment where everyone is set up to succeed.

Gender diversity is linked to enhanced organisational and financial performance, improved decision making and governance, and higher levels of innovation and creativity.

Increased gender diversity in leadership provides a foundation for growth as different networks, skills and perspectives are utilised.

Boards and leadership teams should reflect the diversity of their community of participants, players, instructors, volunteers and families.

We’re taking action

Engage a GOAL diversity human resources consultant

We've engaged with an expert diversity consultant in 2017 to work with a number of sport and recreation bodies and adopt practices to encourage and attract women to leadership in a variety of positions. Simply having a policy will not create change. Organisations need to understand their recruitment and HR practices, if and how they are unconsciously biased against women and how they can change this. It’s important to support organisations in our industry to make change, not just highlight why they should.

Incentivise organisations for meeting objectives

Sport and recreation organisations in Western Australia receive funding from the State Government. As part of this funding we need to make sure these organisations clearly understand the case for diversity in leadership and governance.

In November 2018 National Sport and Recreation Ministers agreed on the target of 50% for women in leadership positions. Further engagement with the industry will help to inform the most appropriate implementation guidelines.

GOAL Scholarships and Grants Program

Many organisations have scholarships and programs to help people realise their leadership aspirations. The GOAL program will make sure women in our sector are supported to access all of the opportunities that exist. For example, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries currently provides support for people in the sport and recreation industry to complete Company Director Courses. It is important that the GOAL program supports women who undertake these opportunities through further mentoring and linking them to leadership and governance positions within the industry.

The GOAL Champions of Change

It’s important the sport and recreation industry in Western Australia recognises and recruits Champions of Change from within. Individuals within the sector will be identified to promote and champion women in leadership positions.

GOAL baseline data

The Department has supported the establishment of baseline data and will continue to evaluate the initiatives that are implemented. We need to measure success and understand what programs and initiatives contribute to success now and into the future.

The GOAL Toolkit

We’re developing a toolkit to help organisations and individuals kick their own GOALs. Accessible from this page, it will be packed with tips, downloadables, video and checklists available for SSAs and clubs as well as individuals

GOAL: Get Onboard and Lead

Download GOAL: Get Onboard and Lead PDF (949KB)

#NFP Leader of the Year: Christina Matthews. #Inspirational #leader and #GOALwomen advocate https://t.co/2cmwKgGB07 pic.twitter.com/InmSPrunuz
— Sport and Recreation (@dsrwa) September 16, 2016

We are a sports organisation - how can we Get Onboard and Lead?

Whether you are a State Association, a club or a regional organisation, it makes good business sense to have more quality female leaders engaged in your decisions making and management.

Download this Toolkit 1 for some useful tips and hints.

I want to be a leader – how do I get Onboard and Lead?

There is plenty of advice and support available for girls and women who want to get involved as leaders within their sports club or organisation.

State Associations, clubs and regional organisations are being actively encouraged to recruit quality female leaders.

Take the first steps.

Download this Toolkit #2 for some useful tips and hints.

Jan Cooper with a female football player