The Property Council is committed to building a diverse and inclusive industry. This includes working to achieve a significant and sustainable increase in the number of women in senior leadership positions in the property industry, a pipeline of future leaders.
500 Women in Property is an initiative of the Property Council’s Diversity Committees throughout Australia. It involves a personal commitment from Property Council members to champion women in their organisation or business sphere, who they believe would benefit from further networking and professional development opportunities.
It is sponsor-driven and not a mentoring program.
The success of the 500 Women in Property program relies on the personal commitment of the program’s sponsor champions, but it also depends on you, as a participant, to actively engage in the opportunities on offer to you.
The program is free for members thanks to the support of national sponsor, The GPT Group. Whilst the program does not involve any upfront financial commitment, there is an expectation that you will respect the financial and personal commitment of your sponsor, and fully participate in all elements of the program.
Mentors and sponsors serve different purposes, but their end goal is the same; to support you in achieving your goals.
Sponsors are people who will advocate for you in the workplace, champion your skills and success and help to build your network and profile.
Playing a slightly different role, a mentor is a source of guidance and advice. Both are important in maximising career growth, but sponsors act where mentors usually advise.
The program is most successful when sponsors select participants and are proactive champions.
Arrange to meet with your sponsor at the beginning of the program to discuss:
Actively engage with your sponsor during the program and meet at least twice during the year
While the program is sponsor-driven and not a mentoring program, your sponsor should actively advocate for, and promote, your career advancements.
The program requires that you meet face-to-face with your sponsor a minimum of twice during the year. These meetings are designed to assist you to map out your career plan, identify professional development needs and prepare for your organisation’s appraisal process.
Attend 500 Women in Property networking events in your division
You will be expected to attend the launch and wrap-up events with your sponsor in your state/territory.
In addition to these you will be invited to attend exclusive 500 Women in Property networking events in your state/territory – you do not need to attend additional networking events with your sponsor.
Attend two (minimum) Property Council events with your sponsor during the year
The Property Council runs a dynamic and diverse program of events in your division and your sponsor will host you at a minimum of two during the year at no cost to you.
We encourage you to liaise with your sponsor to discuss which Property Council events you are most keen to attend.
Communicate with your sponsor prior to each event to find out who will be attending
This will provide you with the time to research the speakers and consider asking a question during the Q&A session (if appropriate).
Observe a Property Council Committee during the year
A valuable and unique part of the program is the opportunity to observe a Property Council Committee meeting. This will be a committee you selected in your nomination form which aligns to your career aspirations. Your division will try to accommodate your first or second choice.
It is your responsibility to attend the Committee meeting at the date provided. You are not expected to attend with your sponsor and we will, where possible, ensure you are attending with another 500 Women in Property participant.
There is an expectation at the meeting that you will provide a brief overview of yourself, your career aspirations and experience of the program to date. Prior to the meeting we encourage you meet with your sponsor to discuss the committee format and ways to actively engage.
Discuss and engage in professional development opportunities
We encourage you to discuss with your sponsor how to leverage networking opportunities through the 500 Women in Property program and, where appropriate, identify any professional development opportunities.
As a participant in the 2019 program, you are eligible for a 10 per cent discount on all Academy courses running during the year.
You can view all the courses here.
Provide feedback on the program via two formal surveys and to your Divisional Diversity Committee
Advise the Property Council if you are changing roles, companies and/or your sponsor has changed
To ensure you continue to receive updates on 500 Women in Property events and opportunities, please ensure we have your current information.
Kindly note, if you leave a Property Council member company you will no longer be eligible to participate in the program. If your sponsor leaves a Property Council member company, we will work with you to find a replacement sponsor.
propertycouncil.com.au
info@propertycouncil.com.au
ABN: 13 00847 4422
+61 (0)2 9033 1900