As we head into 2026, it’s worth looking back on a year that challenged and reshaped the boardroom. Governance sharpened its focus across cyber resilience, psychosocial risk and climate transition planning. Directors sought clarity on remuneration trends, pathways into boards and ways to future-proof their skills amid shifting regulations. With organisational culture, sustainability and legal accountability under renewed scrutiny, these are the issues defining Australian boardrooms. Here are the AICD’s top 10 articles for 2025.
Five directors discuss their journeys to the boardroom
This feature explores the diverse, often non-linear paths five directors took to reach the boardroom. Their stories highlight the importance of networking, continuous learning and purpose-led career decisions. It remains a favourite for aspiring directors seeking practical guidance and inspiration on building a sustainable governance career.
How to secure your first paid board role
Landing your first paid directorship isn’t luck — it’s strategy. This article explores how aspiring directors can break in through NFP and subsidiary boards, leverage mentoring and complete the Company Directors Course. It shows how aligning your skills with board needs, networking purposefully and demonstrating clear value in interviews can turn experience into opportunity and set the foundation for a thriving governance career.
Managing psychosocial risk under increasing governance regulation
Boards are now expected to treat psychosocial hazards with the same seriousness as physical safety risks. This article unpacks evolving regulatory duties — including obligations to prevent harassment — and explores the cultural, systemic and operational challenges of managing stress, bullying and conflict. It offers practical guidance on board oversight, early-warning indicators and strategies to build a psychologically safe and accountable workplace.
Governing for Net Zero
The AICD-ACSI (Australian Council of Superannuation Investors) guide helps boards to embed climate transition into strategy and oversight. Packed with insights from directors and investors, it highlights governance best practice, red flags and practical questions to ensure resilience, supported by case studies for boards at every stage of the net zero journey.
Directors use business judgment rule successfully in court defence
In a rare Federal Court decision, four non-executive directors successfully relied on the business judgment rule to fend off alleged breaches of duty of care. The case offers a practical blueprint for directors on navigating complex decisions, risk and reliance — and shows when the safe harbour really applies.
How much do directors earn?
This article delivers insights into a perennial topic — director remuneration across sectors and organisation sizes. It highlights trends shaping fees, the balance between responsibility and compensation, and the widening gap between unpaid NFP roles and remunerated commercial appointments. A must-read for both aspiring and current directors.
Five areas to upskill: How to future-proof your director career
Rapid technological, regulatory and workforce changes are reshaping board demands. Directors now need fluency in AI and digital tools, a structured approach to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and deep oversight of psychosocial risks. Agile leadership, self-awareness and ongoing reflection are essential to navigate complexity, maintain trust and ensure boards remain effective in a fast-moving, high-risk environment.
Five tips for new directors
First-time directors face a steep learning curve. Experts emphasise preparation, due diligence, active listening and aligning with personal values. New directors should seek mentors, avoid operational detail and focus on strategic oversight to build credibility and contribute effectively from day one. Understanding the business, its numbers and board dynamics is critical.
Renewed focus on cybersecurity and data resilience
Cyber risk is now firmly entrenched as a board-level responsibility. The article highlights pressing threats, questions directors should ask management and steps to strengthen organisational resilience. High-profile incidents like the Qantas cyberattack and regulatory action against Optus underline the importance of board oversight in cyber and data governance. Cyber literacy is no longer optional — it is essential.
How to revive sustainability amid the pursuit of long-term value and resilience
Boards must rethink sustainability beyond compliance or ideology, using it as a tool for anti-fragility and long-term value creation. As geopolitical shifts, climate disruption and technology collide, companies embedding systems thinking, scenario planning and evidence-based climate strategies can turn uncertainty into competitive advantage. Sustainability is no longer just about avoiding risk. It is about creating resilient, adaptive organisations ready to thrive in disruption.
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