Westpac Board Observer Program
Westpac Board Observer, Lucy Masters pictured with Westpac Scholar, Co-Founder and CEO of Hotel Etico, Andrea Comastri
Strengthen your board’s resilience and impact
Strong governance thrives on diverse perspectives, fresh thinking and access to the right expertise. The Westpac Board Observer Program offers not-for-profit and social enterprise boards the opportunity to partner with experienced professionals from Westpac Group and MinterEllison, bringing valuable skills and insights into the boardroom.
By participating, Host Boards gain access to experienced leaders while helping develop a pipeline of future directors equipped to contribute to stronger governance and better outcomes across the social sector.
The program is designed to create meaningful value for both Host Boards and Observers through a year-long governance partnership.
Now in its 10th year, the Westpac Board Observer Program connects experienced professionals from Westpac Group and MinterEllison with a select group of not-for-profit and social enterprise boards through a 12-month governance partnership.
Host Boards gain access to fresh perspectives, specialist expertise and broader networks, while helping develop a pipeline of social sector directors. Observers are senior professionals with experience across strategy, finance, risk, technology, legal, HR, people leadership and more.
Host Boards play an active role in selecting Observers whose skills, experience and interests align with their organisation's needs. During the placement, Observers attend Board meetings and, where agreed, may also contribute to committees, working groups, planning days and other Board priorities.
The partnership is supported by a structured learning program that helps Observers build the knowledge and confidence needed for future board roles.
Why participate?
- Access diverse skills, expertise and fresh perspectives
Strengthen governance and decision-making
Expand organisational networks and connections
Contribute to the development of future directors
Join a program with a strong track record of impact
For further information about the program, benefits and commitments, download the Board Observer Program brochure.
Case study: The Underground Collaborative
Westpac Regional General Manager Matt Delmenico originally signed up to Westpac's Board Observer Program because he wanted to harness his corporate leadership and marketing skills to support a not-for-profit realise its goals.
In 2019 he was paired with The Underground Collaborative, a social enterprise that provides employment and housing solutions for people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in Western Australia through their café Ground+Co and other employment initiatives.
During his time as a Board Observer Matt chaired a sub-committee, helped run a strategy session, took minutes at board meetings and joined site visits.
In his day job Matt leads a team of 130 Westpac bankers and says it’s this business banking experience that’s helped. “I’ve been able to apply some of my business development experience and financial acumen when reviewing new opportunities.”
Matt is one of 115 Westpac employees to act as a Board Observer since 2017, 100% of whom report they’ve gained professional development through the experience. Like 60% of observers on the program, Matt has now joined the Board of The Underground Collaborative on a permanent basis.
Founder of The Underground Collaborative Katie Liew says the board was incredibly fortunate to have Matt as their Observer.
“Matt did far more than the role required, and even continued on to join as a Board Member once the Program had finished. The Board couldn’t be more thrilled to have him!”
The Underground Collaborative is not alone in finding value in the program. All 78 of the Boards involved in the program agreed that their Observer was able to add value by bringing their skills and perspective to the organisation.
“There is so much collective wisdom in the Boardroom,” says Matt, “and we lean on each other for the greater good.”