Having gender diversity on boards of sporting organisations contributes to more effective decision-making, communication, positive culture and better risk management.

A diverse representation on boards also brings an understanding of the diverse needs of its members and reflects the diversity of the Victorian community.

The Victorian Government’s Balance the Board policy (which requires all recognised sport and active recreation organisations to have a minimum of 40% women directors on their board to be eligible for Sport and Recreation Victoria community sport funding) aims to increase the representation of women on boards across Victoria’s sport and active recreation sector.

This summary outlines key findings from research undertaken by Deakin University, with funding from the Victorian Government’s Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, which aimed to determine the impact of the Balance the Board policy on the governance of sport and active recreation organisations.

Key research insights:

• Substantial increases in women’s boardrepresentation were achieved.
• Achieving the target of at least 40% women on boards was a difficult process for many organisations, requiring effort and commitment.
• The sport and active recreation sector worked collaboratively to achieve gender balanced boards.
• Leaders of sport and active recreation organisations, often men, were key in driving change and supporting women’s board representation.