Personal Development Scheme
Notes for Application
What is the Personal Development Scheme?
The Personal Development Scheme is an initiative of the Law Institute Victoria to recognise the contribution made by individual members to the organisation, who for example, take an active role either through participation in Section Committees or on Council. It is anticipated that it will also benefit the organisation by broadening the skills of individuals and developing future leaders.
It is not intended to provide the finances for further academic study of an individual.
Who can apply?
Members of the LIV who are also members of a Section Committee or Council (subject to the selection criteria below). LIV Staff are ineligible to apply for the PDS.
Selection criteria:
- To be a member the LIV and have contributed to the LIV as a member of a Section Committee or Council for a minimum period of three years, and willing to commit to such involvement for a further 3 years
- To demonstrate that you have the necessary skills to benefit from your proposed program
- To indicate how undertaking your proposed program will benefit the LIV /the legal profession in the longer term
- To indicate what you consider you will gain personally from undertaking the proposed program
- That you are able to commit the necessary finances and time requirements to undertake the proposed program
- That you are prepared to provide a comprehensive report to LIV at the conclusion of the program.
What type of training programs will be considered?
The LIV is conscious of the fact that there is a diverse range of opportunity for personal development courses and is not proposing to take a narrow view by specifying particular programs. Each program will be considered on its merits and on the argument made in the application. However, the LIV would expect that such a program would equip an individual with additional or enhanced skills and experience that will be of benefit to the work of the LIV.
It is not intended to fund further academic study such as a postgraduate degree, but for leadership type courses which focus on personal development and networking. However, for the assistance of applicants, reference may be made to the Williamson Leadership program as an example of the type of program that may satisfy the criteria. It is not intended that the PDS apply to the Australian Institute of Company Directors course as this is covered by a separate scheme.
What do I have to contribute in return for the support?
The LIV would expect an on-going relationship whether that is an individual moving on to an Office Bearer position or taking a senior role in a Section.
The LIV will provide 50% of the expected program/course fees up to a cap of $3,350 per applicant and a total budget of $10,000 to fund successful applicants in any financial year. (This amount will be reviewed annually). The applicant or their firm must therefore be prepared to pay the remaining costs, including all relevant airfares and accommodation.
When are applications considered?
Applications in this inaugural year, will be considered in July for programs taking place during the financial year 2008-2009.
How do I apply?
An application form (pdf) must be completed and sent to the Education Portfolio Committee c/o the Executive Secretary to the LIV Council.
How much is the grant?
50% of the expected program/course fees up to a cap of $3,350 per applicant.
Process
- Applications will be acknowledged
- Applications will be considered by the Education Portfolio Committee of the LIV Council
- If necessary, applications will be short listed and interviews conducted
- Applicants will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible, but no later than the end of July
- The decision of the Education Portfolio Committee is final and a grant may not be awarded in a particular year if it is determined that the applications received do not meet the criteria.
- The Education Portfolio Committee will, if requested, provide a letter of support for the successful applicant to assist the applicant in obtaining admission to the program/course.
- Upon completion of the course the individual will provide a report to the Education Portfolio Committee, who will make a recommendation as to whether the report should be published by the LIV or in the Law Institute Journal.