Good Sammy launches inaugural Board Observership Program
The 12-month Board Observership Program supports people with disability to build confidence, capability and a genuine pathway into Board and governance roles, so lived experience is part of the conversation from the start.
Key points
- Good Sammy has launched a 12-month Board Observership Program; creating a practical, supported way for people with disability to step into governance and build Board-ready experience.
- Observers take part in Board and Committee life, supported with onboarding, mentoring and guidance along the way.
- Most importantly, the program helps ensure lived experience is heard; strengthening inclusive decision-making around the table.
At Good Sammy, inclusion isn’t just something we talk about, it’s something we build, one opportunity at a time. The Board Observership Program is a new step in that journey, opening doors for emerging leaders with disability to learn how Boards work, ask questions, and see what’s possible.
It’s designed to grow governance skills and confidence for people with disability and to help make sure our decisions are shaped by the people and communities we exist to support.
Why this matters to Good Sammy
We believe better governance happens when more voices are heard – especially voices with lived experience.
The Board Observership Program supports people with disability to build real, practical governance capability. For Good Sammy, it’s also about leading with inclusion – welcoming different perspectives into Board discussions and learning how to do what we do even better.
About the Board Observership Program
We’re proud to welcome our first two Board Observers, Andrew Fox-Russell and Jen Harland (pictured above right), who commenced as part of the program launched in March. Over the next 12 months, they will sit alongside our Board, learn the rhythms of governance, and help strengthen representation of people with disability in leadership and decision-making.
Why inclusive governance matters
When Boards include a wider mix of voices and experiences, decisions get stronger. Lived experience brings insight that can be learned from experience, supporting better discussion, risk oversight and more inclusive outcomes.
This program reflects Good Sammy’s mission to provide training and employment opportunities for people with disability, and our vision to transform workplaces and society through disability employment.
What the 12-month program involves
- Join Board and relevant Committee meetings as an Observer and see how decisions are shaped.
- Complete a director onboarding and induction process, with support to settle in.
- Take part in key organisational activities to build context, connection, and confidence.
- Paired with mentoring and structured support throughout the full twelve months.
We plan to grow the program over time – and to explore partnerships with other organisations – so more people with disability can access meaningful Board learning opportunities.
Meet our inaugural Board Observers.
Below, Good Sammy’s Board Chair Fiona Payne shares insights into how the Board Observership Program supports strong governance and builds future leadership capability.
Why is Good Sammy doing this, and why is the program important?
Our mission is to provide training and employment for people with disability. We already have Directors with disability on our Board, but we wanted to create a clearer development pathway for people who aspire to these roles.
Is the program first of its kind or innovative?
I’m not aware of any Boards in WA running a program specifically designed for future Directors with disability. Some organisations offer Board observerships, but they’re not typically tailored in this way.
What do you hope to achieve from the program?
We want to provide a unique learning opportunity for people with disability who are interested in becoming Directors and learn from our Observers about how we can make our governance as inclusive as possible.
What was the recruitment process?
Over the past 18 months, two candidates came forward who had both completed AICD governance training so they were strong choices to pilot the program. Each met with our directors and executive leadership team before appointments were finalised, and both completed the director induction program. They were also involved in co-designing the observership to ensure it meets their needs.
What do you hope the Observers will contribute to the Board?
Both Observers bring unique lived experience, which we know will contribute to the quality of our discussion and decision-making.
Any final thoughts as the program begins?
We are genuinely excited to pilot this program for our two Observers and for our Board. Their contribution will be meaningful, and what we learn together will guide how we keep strengthening Good Sammy’s governance.
Find out more
Learn more about Good Sammy’s inclusive governance initiatives. Find out about future Board Observership opportunities by contacting us at [email protected].
