In recognition of this year’s International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) theme ‘Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress’, Barkuma is proud to spotlight the successful completion of the inaugural Board Observership Program, a key initiative supporting disability-inclusive leadership and governance.
For more than five decades, Barkuma has partnered with South Australians to build opportunities for people with disability to live, work and belong. Our purpose has always been clear: creating communities where people with disability are empowered and included at every level.
Today, we’re continuing that journey by opening new pathways to leadership and board participation.
Why board representation matters
Across Australia, people with disability remain significantly under-represented in leadership and decision-making roles. In 2022 the labour force participation rate for people with disability aged 15-64 was 60% compared to a labour force participation rate of people without disability aged 15-64 of 84.9%[1]. Changing these numbers requires more than employment opportunities; it requires creating pathways to influence.
Our Board Observership Program helps address this gap by supporting emerging leaders with disability to:
- Build governance, risk and decision-making skills
- Gain exposure to strategic conversations shaping the disability sector
- Access mentoring from experienced Directors and Executives
- Bring lived experience directly into board-level decision-making
Inclusive societies are built when people with disability have real influence, not just as participants in services, but as leaders shaping them. Barkuma’s Board Observership program helps to cultivate a disability inclusive society to advance social progress.
What the program offers
Over 12 months, Board Observers attend Barkuma’s Safety, Quality & Risk Subcommittee meetings, board meetings (non-voting) complete governance training through BoardWise, and receive ongoing mentoring from Barkuma’s Chair, CEO and board members.
The goal?
Board Observers leave the program feeling confident and well-equipped for future leadership or board roles, whether at Barkuma or elsewhere.
Insights from Gavin: Our first Board Observer
Gavin, who recently completed his term as Barkuma’s inaugural Board Observer, describes the program as “a good challenge” and an exciting opportunity for anyone passionate about the disability sector.
He shared that being on a board sparked his appetite for learning:
“Once I got into it, I started realising how quickly a business has to adapt. I even started listening to business podcasts because I wanted to learn more.”
Gavin said the governance training helped him understand risk, decision-making, and how boards anticipate change:
“The training modules were really helpful, especially learning about risk appetite and how big businesses analyse risk. Seeing how that linked to the meetings made everything connect.”
He also highlighted the importance of bringing the customer voice into strategic discussions:
“Talking with Client Voice groups helped the board understand what people wanted to hear. It was good to see how feedback becomes priorities.”
When asked what he would say to future Board Observers, Gavin was clear:
“Do you like knowing how a business works? This will be a good opportunity, you will learn how it works, learn from industry experts and learn about the industry.”
He added a practical tip for success:
“Time management is key. One hour of training a week teaches you a lot.”
And his biggest piece of advice spoke to the importance of good governance:
“What is said in the board room, stays in the boardroom.”
His legal and ethical training gave him a strong understanding of confidentiality and the seriousness of board discussions
Creating pathways for long-term social progress
The Board Observership Program is more than professional development, it’s part of Barkuma’s belief that people with disability should be at the centre of decision-making, leadership, and governance.
This is how we move from inclusion that is symbolic to inclusion that is structural. This is how we build a future where boardrooms, executive teams and community organisations reflect the people they serve. This is how we cultivate disability-inclusive societies.
What’s next for Gavin?
Gavin is now exploring how he can share his knowledge and apply the skills he gained through the program in his everyday work.
“I am looking at what opportunities there are in my job to help make the functions smoother and quicker, creating efficiencies and using my leadership skills to help others.”
Next Board Observership term
Barkuma will open Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the 2026 Board Observership Program on Friday 5 December, inviting supported employees and participants to apply. The program will commence early next year.