Mentoring for Diversity frequently asked questions
When will applications open for 2025?
Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort will open on 10 March 2025.
What skills do I need before applying for the programme?
Board experience
You must have at least five years’ experience of boardroom practice, preferably as a board member or trustee of an entity with a clear governance structure and separation between management and the board, or those who are working closely with, and reporting to such a board.
Knowledge and understanding
You will have an appreciation of the roles and responsibilities of the director under the Companies Act 1993, an excellent understanding of the value-adding role of the board, and an appreciation of the distinction between governance and management.
Financial literacy
You will be able to understand the financial position of a company/organisation through the interrogation of financial statements etc.
Is the programme open to applicants throughout New Zealand?
Yes. We have mentors based across New Zealand. Mentees will be asked whether they prefer a mentor in their own location or are prepared to travel to meet with their mentor.
Mentees may be matched with a mentor outside their region if a mentor is not available in their location.
Do applicants need to be a member of the IoD?
You need to be a Member or Chartered Member of the IoD.
How many times will I meet my mentor each year?
We recommend mentees meet with their mentors 6-8 times per year.
How does the mentorship work?
Mentors provide guidance based on their experiences on high-performing boards, including networking, positioning, conduct and presentation. The form of mentoring will vary from mentee to mentee and mentor to mentor.
Will the programme guarantee me a board position on completion?
Whilst the programme provides exceptional support and may open new doors for our mentees, we do not guarantee that you will obtain a board position after completing the programme.
Is there a cost to participate programme?
There is no application fee to apply for the programme. Mentees will need to cover the cost of travel and/or accommodation to attend mentoring sessions and mentee events.
How many mentees are selected?
We aim to select up to 20 mentees for the programme per year.
How are successful mentees selected?
Mentees are shortlisted by an internal selection panel at the IoD. The final selection will be made by our Board Diversity Panel, consisting of the IoD’s CEO, GM People and Culture, Network Manager Branches, Diversity Programmes Manager and key members of the IoD Council.
Do I have to complete the IoD’s Company Directors’ Course (CDC) or similar course in order to be selected?
It is not a pre-requisite to have completed CDC or other governance courses, although a commitment to training and upskilling in governance will be considered favourably during the selection process.
When will mentees be notified whether they have been selected?
All applicants will be notified by late May as to whether they have been successful or not. Selections will be final and no review will be undertaken.
What happens after I am selected?
The first in-person session will be held in Auckland on 24 June 2025 starting at midday and finishing at 6pm. As part of this session, mentees will receive an introduction to the programme outlining how the programme will work in greater detail. Expectations of mentees and mentors will be covered, along with advice on how to get the most out of the programme. Each mentee will receive an electronic copy of a mentee guide. Mentees are invited to stay on for dinner at their own cost to get to know each other in a more informal setting.
The programme runs for a 12-month period. We suggest that mentors and mentees meet for at least an hour every two months.
Who will meet the costs incurred by mentors and mentees?
The mentee and mentor will each bear any expenses incurred in participating in the programme. Where mentees have indicated that they are prepared to travel to meet with their mentor, the mentee will meet these travel costs.
Can either party withdraw from the programme during the period?
The mentor and mentee are free to withdraw from the programme at any time by contacting the programme manager. If a mentor withdraws from the programme within the first six months, the IoD will attempt to find a suitable replacement.
Will my name be made public if I am accepted into the programme?
The IoD reserves the right to use your information for marketing and publicity purposes as outlined in the terms and conditions within the application form.
We would expect to publish a list of mentees on the IoD website and through our social media channels.
What if I’m not selected?
Applicants who are not selected for the Mentoring for Diversity programme in 2025 will be able to apply to join the programme in future years.
Further information
Back to Mentoring for Diversity