Australian Institute of Company Directors’ (AICD) Scholarship
Congratulations Emma James, Executive Director Data and Technology at Funds SA. This scholarship enables Emma to attend the Company Directors Course offered by the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
The Company Directors Course is one of the most established programs in the world and has played a vital role in improving director knowledge and governance standards in Australia. This is your opportunity to obtain valuable insights into the governance and other considerations facing a company director and improve the effectiveness of your interactions with your board.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
Applications closed 28th February 2025. The winner will be announced at the Forum Dinner to be held on Wednesday 19th March.
To apply for the AICD Scholarship click on the ‘Apply Now’ tab to complete an online application form. If you need assistance please contact FEAL.
Eligibility
Executives and emerging / future leaders.
What is the selection panel looking for?
The selection panel is looking for concise, relevant and informative responses to the questions posed in the application form. In a two or three paragraph response provide a strong ‘business case’ as to why you should receive a Scholarship this year. Consider how the content of AICD would assist you in meeting your professional and career goals, or in achieving specific KPIs. Try to be clear and direct and help the selection panel understand how the Scholarship opportunity would be helpful to you.
Who is on the selection panel?
Your application will be treated with the strictest confidence at all times by our selection panel: Brian Delaney - FEAL Chair, Chris Davies - TelstraSuper & FEAL Director, Louise Watson - Natixis, Chris Wildman - Robeco, Jon Shaw - MUFG Pension & Market Services, Liam Hennessy - Thomson Geer & Katrina Bacon - CEO, FEAL
Key dates to remember
Applications opened 17th December
Applications close Friday 28th February 2025
I have submitted an application previously but was not successful – should I apply again?
Former applicants are encouraged to apply. Review your previous Scholarship application and consider how you could improve it. Ensure the question responses reflect your current thoughts and needs.
I am not a FEAL member. Can I still apply?
The ability to receive FEAL scholarships is one of the benefits of FEAL Membership. If you are not currently a member of FEAL then why not apply for membership and a scholarship at the same time. All FEAL members, whether new or existing, are eligible to receive a Scholarship. Click here for membership details.
2023 Scholarship winner, Chantal Walker, with Glen Gee, MSCI Australia and Katrina Bacon, FEAL CEO
“As a relative newcomer to the complex world of Superannuation being given the opportunity to deepen my governance knowledge, through the AICD Company Directors Course scholarship, proved an invaluable experience. The 5 day in-person hands-on course was an eye opener as to how and why Boards think and act the way they do. Even though I have had many years of presenting to boards, learning how things are reviewed and analyzed from the other side provided me with deep insights into how to reframe my strategic thinking and increase my effective decision-making processes. The real-life case studies provided practical examples and brought to life the somewhat dry theory giving me extra tools in my mental toolkit to to ensure the appropriate levels of governance and questions can be asked and answered at a Board level.
The other benefit of the course, which was equally valuable, was the opportunity to meet a fantastic group of equally curious individuals, many of whom I know I will be in touch with for years to come as we all continue our journey through life and work. There were professionals from multiple non-super industries, which made the discussion incredibly varied and rich. Building these professional relationships has not only broadened my perspective but taught me to think differently about how to present issues to a Board.
I am also incredibly grateful to FEAL for their continued dedication to broadening thinking across the industry and nurturing talent through all the many varied programs they run, including the multiple scholarships offered. I am deeply grateful for this experience, I no longer feel like a newbie and I look forward to continuing to apply the invaluable insights I’ve gained.”
Congratulations Ben Facer, NGS Super winner of the 2024 AICD scholarship.
The Company Directors course, first run in 1975, is one of the most established programs in the world and has played a vital role in improving director knowledge and governance standards in Australia.
As a fund executive, undertaking the Company Directors course will give you valuable insights into the governance responsibilities and considerations facing a director, allowing you to reframe your strategic thinking and improve the effectiveness of your interactions with your board.
Past winners
2023 - Chantal Walker, Active Super
2022 - Natalie Alford, EquipSuper
2021 - Ciara Gaffney, Aware Super
2020 - Gregg Lapins, Mercy Super
2019 - Andrew Major, HESTA
2018 - Alison Anthony, ESSSuper
2017 - Paul Howard, REST Industry Super
2016 - Sophie Sigalas, HESTA
2015 - Lee Scales, UniSuper
Terms and Conditions
Applications received after the specified deadline will not be considered
The decision of the selection panel is final and no subsequent correspondence will be entered into
The AICD Scholarship is open to FEAL members
Non members who are Fund Executives from not-for-profit funds are eligible to apply. If successful you must join FEAL to receive your Scholarship
Applicants must be employed with their fund at the time of the Scholarship
Chosen course / AICD Company Directors course will be taken within 2 years of award of the scholarship/award
Successful applicants may be called upon to deliver a report to FEAL members
FEAL Directors are not eligible to apply
The Scholarship covers the cost of the AICD course and the initial joining fee
