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How to Become A Board Member

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What is a Board Member

A board member helps lead an organisation at the highest level. They make key decisions about strategy, money, and the organisation’s future. They work alongside other directors to set direction and manage risk. They also make sure the organisation delivers for the people it serves. It is a role that comes after years of experience, but one you can start working towards today.

In Australia, board members serve on all kinds of bodies. These range from ASX-listed companies and government agencies to local charities and community groups. Their core duties include setting the direction and checking the finances. They also hold the CEO and management team to account. Every sector needs good board members, so your path can take you almost anywhere.

Most people become board members after 10 or more years of leadership work. You can start building your skills by joining a community or not-for-profit board. Many professionals also complete the AICD Company Directors Course to boost their governance know-how.

If you are serious about a board career, start building the right skills now. Strong leadership, financial know-how, and ethical judgement are what boards look for. The journey is rewarding, and every step you take grows your impact.

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Career Outlook for Board Member

Board membership in Australia is a growing career path for experienced professionals. Nearly half of all NED roles remain unpaid. This is most common in charities and not-for-profit groups (AICD 2025 Director Remuneration Report). For paid NED roles in small to mid-sized organisations, median fees are $25,000 to $50,000 per year (AICD, 2025). Directors of large listed companies typically earn well above $100,000 per year.

The demand for skilled, diverse board directors is growing across all sectors. Government bodies, listed companies, and not-for-profits all seek people with strong governance backgrounds. Female representation on ASX 200 boards reached 35% in 2024, up from 26% in 2018 (WGEA, 2024). This shows real progress but also highlights ongoing opportunities for broader board diversity. Most NED roles are part-time, with a typical commitment of 10 to 30 days per year per board seat.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Board Member

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor Degree in Business, Commerce, or Law

Start with a bachelor degree in a relevant field such as Business, Commerce, Finance, or Law. Most degrees take 3 years full-time at an Australian university. Core study areas include corporate governance, financial management, business strategy, and commercial law. A degree gives you the foundational knowledge that boards rely on from their members.

Step 2: Build Leadership Skills with a Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420)

Enrol in the Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420) at a TAFE or registered training organisation (RTO). This qualification takes 12 to 18 months full-time or part-time. It covers operational planning, managing teams, risk management, and communication. It is a strong complement to a degree and builds practical leadership skills that boards value.

Step 3: Gain at Least 10 Years of Senior Leadership Experience

Build your executive career before you pursue board roles. Most board members have at least 10 years of experience in senior roles. These include positions like CEO, CFO, General Manager, or department head. Use this time to develop deep industry expertise, financial acumen, and a strong professional network. This track record is what selection committees look for.

Step 4: Complete the AICD Company Directors Course

Enrol in the Company Directors Course (CDC) through the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). The CDC runs over approximately 6 months in blended online and residential format. It covers director duties, financial literacy for boards, strategy, and boardroom dynamics. Completing the CDC is the most widely recognised governance pathway for aspiring directors in Australia.

Step 5: Gain Governance Experience on a Smaller Board First

Start your board career by joining a not-for-profit, community, or sports organisation board. These roles are often voluntary and open to people at earlier career stages. Spend 2 to 5 years developing your governance skills alongside experienced directors. Contact the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) for guidance on finding your first board appointment.

What does a Board Member do?

A board member’s day is all about big-picture thinking and strong governance. They spend their time in board meetings, reviewing reports, and making key decisions about the organisation’s direction and finances. They work closely with the CEO and management team, keeping them on track while holding them to account. Board members also sit on committees and represent the organisation at key events. They stay up to date with the laws and trends affecting their sector. It is a role that calls for focus, integrity, and a genuine interest in seeing the organisation succeed.

Tasks

Board members make things happen at the highest level of an organisation. Every decision they make can shape the future of the business and the people it serves. Their work also reaches the wider community. Here is a look at what board members do day to day.

  • Setting Strategy — Joining with fellow board members to map out the organisation’s long-term goals and direction.
  • Financial Oversight — Approving budgets, reviewing financial reports, and making sure the organisation’s money is well managed.
  • CEO Accountability — Checking that the CEO is delivering on the organisation’s goals and supporting their growth.
  • Risk Management — Spotting risks early and making sure the organisation has plans in place to deal with them.
  • Governance and Compliance — Making sure the organisation follows Australian laws, regulations, and its own rules.
  • Policy Review — Looking at and approving key policies that guide how the organisation runs.
  • Committee Work — Taking part in audit, risk, remuneration, or governance committees for a deeper look at specific issues.
  • Stakeholder Engagement — Meeting with shareholders, members, donors, or the community to keep them informed and involved.
  • Board Meetings — Preparing for and taking part in regular board meetings, where key decisions get made.
  • Learning and Development — Staying on top of new laws, governance trends, and best practices to keep adding value.

Skills for Success

Getting ready for a board role means building a strong mix of skills over time. You will need leadership ability to guide other board members without running day-to-day operations. Financial smarts are also essential, as boards approve budgets, review accounts, and check an organisation’s financial health. Great communication and listening skills help you contribute well in board meetings and work with a diverse group of people.

Governance knowledge is your most important tool as a board member. This means knowing your legal duties, managing conflicts of interest, and keeping up with changes in the law. Problem-solving and critical thinking help you tackle tough issues head-on. The more you build these skills now, the better prepared you will be when the right board role comes along.

Skills & Attributes

  • Strategic Thinking
  • Financial Literacy
  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Risk Management
  • Governance Knowledge
  • Networking
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
  • Problem-Solving
  • Regulatory Understanding
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Collaboration
  • Ethical Judgement
  • Critical Thinking

Average Salaries

Pay for board members in Australia varies widely. Many positions, especially in charities and not-for-profits, are unpaid volunteer roles. Paid NED positions in small to mid-sized organisations carry median fees of $25,000 to $50,000 per year. This data comes from the AICD 2025 Director Remuneration Report. NEDs at large listed companies typically earn $100,000 to $250,000 or more per year. Nearly half of all NED roles across Australia remain unpaid (AICD, 2025).

min $25 K

max $250 K

av $80 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.