Board Observership Program
In March 2026, Good Sammy launched a Board Observership Program which seeks to build governance skills for people with disability.
As far as we are aware, this is a first of its kind program for people with disability.
In our vision to transform workplaces and society through disability employment, we also intend to influence decision making at Board levels through representation of people with disability in their Board membership.
This program is innovative and impactful.
Overview of the program
In March 2026, Good Sammy launched its Board Observer Program which creates opportunities for people with disability to build Board Directorship experience. The program assists Observers develop the skills and experience to obtain a future Board Director role in an organisation, and grow the number of people with disability in governance roles in Australia.
The program aligns with the mission of Good Sammy to create employment opportunities for people with disability, and its vision to transform workplaces and society through disability employment.
The 12-month program involves attendance at Board and Committee meetings, Director onboarding, engagement in key organisational activities and mentoring.
Good Sammy hopes to develop this program and to partner with other organisations, developing Board Directorship learning opportunities for people with disability in future years.
2026 inaugural Good Sammy Board Observers are Andrew Fox-Russell and Jen Harland.
If you are interested in being considered for Good Sammy’s Board Observer Program, please submit your expression of interest and CV to [email protected].
Andrew Fox-Russell
Andy brings consultancy experience in Australia, together with operational leadership experience from the UK water industry. He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ Company Directors Course, is completing an MBA, and holds a Graduate Diploma in Business and a Graduate Certificate in ESG Leadership. Andy brings lived experience and a different perspective as a dyslexic thinker.
Jen Harland
Jen is an Autistic woman, who for many years, has been involved with and has contributed, in diverse ways, to the autistic and disability sectors, and more recently to the mental health sector. She has extensive experience in a variety of co-design, working, advisory, reference, and research groups, working with an array of leading organisations.
Jen’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and AICD’s Foundations of Directorship Course. She is an emerging Board Contributor, with a passion for people with disabilities and Autistic people being employed in accordance with their skill sets, knowledge, and interests. Jen also has a passion for the circular economy.
