Take 3’s Co-Founder, Tim Silverwood talks about his experience at the AICD Boards Seeking Directors event.
‘Take 3’ is a not-for-profit organisation formed in Australia in 2009 that aims to raise awareness of plastic pollution (marine debris) by encouraging each visitor to the beach, waterway or…anywhere to simply take 3 pieces of rubbish with them when they leave and dispose of it thoughtfully.
What was Take 3’s main purpose for attending the BSD event?
Take 3, like many grassroots organisations were struggling with governance challenges. We knew we needed to recruit new, skilled and passionate Board Directors but didn’t know quite how to tackle the seemingly insurmountable task. We learnt about People for Purpose and immediately made contact to see how they could assist. We were supported by the friendly team and advised of the BSD opportunity. PfP were absolutely fantastic in securing us a spot and supporting us in preparation for the exciting event.
How would you describe the BSD evening?
Imagine speed dating for charities and Directors. The event is incredibly energetic and exciting. Take 3 were able to present our story and needs to a room of potential Directors who could then question us in a comfortable and informal setting. It was very evident who had a specific interest in our program and easy to record information for follow up and in our case, recruitment.
What types of people did you meet, engage with?
Take 3 successfully recruited four Board Directors through the BSD event, including a new Chairman. We could have only dreamed for such an amazing result. We also met people who agreed to assist with strategic planning and recruitment of our Board. It was a phenomenal outcome.
”Take 3 benefitted immensely from our successful Boards Seeking Directors event last January. We recently held our AGM where we appointed 4 new directors, including our new chair
Tim Silverwood, Take 3
How critical is networking as a tool for emerging directors looking for a seat on the board and also as an appeal for boards seeking new talent ?
The format for the BSD event is perfectly structured for Boards and potential Directors. Admittedly, we were exhausted by the end of the evening having met so many wonderful people but the networking enabled us to gain a clear insight into who was/ wasn’t interested and suitable. Had we not participated in the BSD event we would have found it incredibly challenging and expensive to canvas such a broad range of candidates.
Would you agree that the BSD event is a great face-to-face platform for organisations, as one element to populating boards is very much about finding the right chemistry. Where else would you say that the BSD evening adds value?
The BSD event was exactly what Take 3 needed to help solve our Director recruitment challenges. We would thoroughly recommend the BSD experience for anyone in a similar situation to Take 3. One year on our Board of Directors are focussed and committed to the ongoing development of Take 3 and delivery of our programs. We couldn’t be happier.
People for Purpose partners with The Australian Institute of Company Directors to bring you the ‘Boards Seeking Directors’ networking event bi-annnually. The next session takes place in Sydney on Wednesday, 24 January 2018. This event allows for-purpose organisations to pitch to a group of board-ready individuals looking for opportunities. If you represent a for-purpose board and you’re considering new directors and are interested in participating, please contact Melissa Barrs directly at [email protected]
And if you are an AICD member seeking Director opportunities with an NFP board, please register here . If you are not a member and you would like to attend, please email [email protected]
