Women in Water Directors Network 2022 Peer Mentoring Program
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Women in Water Directors Network
2022 Peer Mentoring Program
Background
The Victorian Government has demonstrated significant leadership in achieving gender balance on Victorian
water sector boards and the Women in Water Directors Network (WWDN) has been established to create a
positive and enabling environment, so women directors can thrive and be successful in the Victorian water
industry.
WWDN first launched a mentoring program in 2018, which has since been expanded into a peer mentoring
program that can contribute to developing talent within the Victorian water industry and is consistent with
our industry values.
The peer mentoring program welcomes female participants from Victorian water corporations and Victorian
catchment management authorities.
At the heart of the program is the relationship between peers, based upon respect and mutual benefit. The
program recognises that all female directors, managing directors and CEOs in the Victorian water industry
bring a diversity of experience, skills and knowledge from which peers may benefit. All participants can both
contribute and learn/develop.
It is expected that the program will:
• Allow women directors, managing directors and CEOs in the Victorian water industry to grow
professionally and personally from their peers.
• Support building female leaders who have the knowledge, skills and abilities the water industry
needs to succeed into the future.
• Foster higher levels of engagement throughout the water industry.
• Equip participants with the tools necessary to perform to their highest capability.
• Bring together directors, managing directors and CEOs from all levels to learn from each other
by sharing knowledge, expertise and skills.
• Provide an opportunity to build knowledge and connections whilst fostering collaboration.
• Allow participants to share valuable insights, advice and guidance with each other.
• Improve professional development, foster collaboration and drive succession opportunities.
• Promote and encourage leadership through networking and peer support.
How does the Peer Mentoring Program work?
• The next round of the WWDN Peer Mentoring Program opens on 9 February 2022 with a call
for Expressions of Interest from those interested in participating.
• Participants will complete an Expression of Interest Form for the program (attached) to help
match them with a suitable peer.
• The WWDN Committee will match peers based on responses to the Expression of Interest forms
received.
• Throughout the year, it is recommended that peers meet 4-6 times, to be arranged between
the peers. Participants are encouraged to meet more frequently if it suits both parties.
Participants are encouraged to meet over coffee (which may be virtual coffee!). Meetings can
be scheduled face to face or by phone or video links within work hours, or during lunch times
or after hours depending on mutual availability.
• During an initial meeting, participants should get to know each other and understand what each
hopes to achieve from the peer relationship. Open communications regarding participants’expectations are encouraged to ensure both parties mutually benefit from the relationship
while being respectful of each other’s time and other commitments.
• VicWater will conduct a survey in or around September 2022 to understand how effective and
valuable the program has been and gather suggestions for improvements.
Laying the foundations and getting it right – guidelines for success
• Successful peer relationships must be mutually beneficial.
• Both parties engage with and participate fully in the program.
• Be respectful of each other’s time and other commitments and priorities.
• Be clear on what your goals are and what you are wanting to gain from the relationship.
• Be open and candid, willing to share experiences (in confidence).
Want to be involved?
Please complete the attached Expression of Interest form and submit it to Jo Lim at VicWater by Monday
28 February 2022.
The WWDN Committee will undertake a matching process and be in touch with the participants. Please
note: all requests will be reviewed, and every effort will be made to place all participants with a suitable
peer.Women in Water Directors Network 2022 Peer Mentoring Program Frequently Asked Questions and Answers 1. What is the objective of the peer mentoring program? The WWDN peer mentoring program aims to create a positive and enabling environment, so women directors can thrive and be successful in the Victorian water industry. 2. How is the peer mentoring program different to traditional mentoring programs? The peer mentoring program recognises that all female directors, managing directors and CEOs in the Victorian water industry bring a diversity of experience, skills and knowledge from which peers may benefit. It is inclusive and designed to facilitate the creation of network and peer relationships throughout female directors across all water corporations and catchment management authorities. 3. How do I nominate to be a peer? Please complete the Expression of Interest form (attached) and submit it to Jo Lim at VicWater (jo.lim@vicwater.org.au) by Monday 28 February 2022. 4. Can any female director apply to be a peer? Yes, any female director of a Victorian water corporation or catchment management authority may apply. 5. Can female managing directors or CEOs apply to be a peer? Yes, managing directors and CEOs may apply to be matched with a (non-executive) director peer. 6. I participated in the 2021 Peer Mentoring Program, can I participate again and be matched with a new peer? Yes, you are very welcome to submit an Expression of Interest to be matched with a new peer. 7. What are the timeframes for the submission to participate in the program? Expression of Interest forms to participate in the Peer Program need to be submitted by Monday 28 February 2022. The program will be over a calendar year commencing March 2022 to December 2022. At the end of this period, peers have the option of extending the relationship if they wish. 8. How will I be connected with my peer? The WWDN Committee will aim to match individuals based on responses to the Expression of Interest forms and communicate these introductions/matchings via email. It will then be up to participants to initiate the first meeting or conversation with their peer.
9. Once I am connected with my peer, what are the next steps? Have a call and arrange a meeting (in person or virtual). A coffee meeting (even if virtual!) is a suggestion to make it not too formal. At this meeting, peers should discuss the parameters of the relationship, boundaries, expectations, clarity around confidentiality, willingness for contact outside of pre-agreed meetings and feedback. Participants are encouraged to get to know each other and understand what each hopes to achieve from the relationship. 10. How many meetings should we have? As a guide, 4-6 meetings over the year is recommended. Participants are encouraged to meet more frequently if it suits both parties. 11. What should I expect from this relationship? This relationship should be based upon respect and be of mutual benefit. Discussion topics may range from detailed advice on board room situations, governance discussions, sharing of board experiences, industry topics, discussion about future board pathways, initiatives to improve board expertise and sharing of expertise and insights. The relationship should be mutually beneficial while being respectful of each other’s time and commitments and respectful of the confidentiality of discussions. 12. How long is the relationship expected to continue? The program will run over the 2022 calendar year. Beyond 2022, it will be up to you and your peer if you want to continue meeting. 13. How do I give feedback on the Peer Mentoring Program? A survey to all participants will also be sent out by VicWater in or around September 2022 to gather feedback and incorporate the feedback into future program adjustments.
Women in Water Directors Network
2022 Peer Mentoring Program – Expressions of Interest
Please complete this form if you are interested in participating in the WWDN Peer Program during 2022.
Peers will be matched and notified in March 2022.
WWDN PEER MENTORING PROGRAM – EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Name:
Water Corporation or
CMA:
What city/town are
you based in:
Email:
Phone:
To help us match you with a peer:
1. PLEASE CHOOSE 2-3 TOPICS IN EACH LIST
Skills/experience/knowledge you can offer to Skills/experience/knowledge you are interested
share in
Water industry / Natural resources Water industry / Natural resources
Governance / Board experience Governance / Board experience
Chairing (Board / Committee) Chairing (Board / Committee)
Diversity of sectors / industries Diversity of sectors / industries
Digital / technology Digital / technology
Environment / climate change Environment / climate change
Strategic thinking / questioning Strategic thinking / questioning
People and culture People and culture
Health, safety and wellbeing Health, safety and wellbeing
Audit and finance Audit and finance
Risk management oversight Risk management oversight
Customer and stakeholder Customer and stakeholder
Other: Other:2. WHAT ARE YOUR SMART GOALS FOR YOUR TOPICS OF INTEREST? SMART = Specific, Measurable, Achievable/Actionable, Realistic, Timely What is your goal? By when? Who can help? Please email your form to Jo Lim at VicWater jo.lim@vicwater.org.au by Monday 28 February 2022. If you have any queries about the Peer Mentoring Program, please contact Jo Lim.
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