CASUAL VACANCIES – VOLUNTEER BOARD ROLES

Our organisation is experiencing significant organisational growth and development. Our CEO, Kathryn Fordyce joined Laurel House in late May 2021 and has led considerable cultural change and an increased focus on meeting best practice standards. Additionally, significant governance improvements have occurred in the last 6 months with a new subcommittee structure, enhanced clinical expertise in the Board, an updated constitution that reserves a board position for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, and a focus on Board processes and director development.

The organisation is entering a new strategic cycle, and a period where advocacy will be critical with ongoing hearings into abuse and neglect through the Tasmanian Commission of Inquiry, and the Disability Royal Commission, the development of the new Tasmanian Action Tasmania’s action plan for family and sexual violence 2019-2022, and the launch of the fifth National Plan to Eliminate Violence against Women and Children.

About You

We are looking for two Board Members, one of whom must be an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, to join our passionate and committed team.

Preferred candidates will possess one or more of the following:

• Experience with quality systems management;
• Experience with fundraising, philanthropy and/or partnerships;
• Legal experience;
• Live in the North West, West Coast, or the Islands;
• Bring diverse experiences and perspectives including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, people with disabilities, younger and older Tasmanians, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people and/or a victim-survivor of sexual harm.

Regardless of the expertise of the person, all nominees must:

• Possess the ability to think strategically and to identify and critically assess strategic opportunities and threats;
• Be able to identify key risks to the organisation in a wide range of areas;
• Possess knowledge in best practice corporate and clinical governance structures, policies, and processes;
• Possess a passion for the work of Laurel House and the commitment to support victim-survivors of sexual assault, and be willing to become a member of the organisation;
• Have the interpersonal communication skills and character necessary to work in collaboration with other Board members for the benefit of the organisation; and
• Be a resident of Tasmania.

Laurel House Board roles are voluntary positions. Previous governance experience is ideal but not essential as we will provide director professional development and mentoring from board colleagues.

Expectations of the Role

It is expected that the successful person will:

• Be able to attend board meetings in person or via technology scheduled after-hours (between 6 and 9 per year of approximately 2 hours in duration), out of session meetings including strategic planning sessions, and the Annual General Meeting.
• Participate in at least one of either Governance and Nominations, Finance, Audit and Risk or Clinical Governance subcommittee (between 6 to 9 meetings per year) of approximately 1 hour).
• Come to meetings prepared and willing to actively contribute, and at times challenge the status quo.
• Possess or be willing to apply for a National Police Check, Working with Vulnerable People Check and a National Personal Insolvency Index (NPII) check.
• Not appear on the banned and disqualified register held by ASIC and not have been declared bankrupt.

The Benefits

Joining the Board of Laurel House will allow you to actively contribute your expertise to help shape the direction and ongoing future success of the organisation, and ensure that our service meets the needs of victim-survivors, their support people and the community.

Additionally, you will have access to director professional development opportunities and mentoring from board colleagues.

For more information

If you are interested, please contact our Board Chair, Jess Greene at jess.greene@hotmail.com.au or phone 0401 968 394.

Applications should be sent to Kathryn Fordyce (CEO and Public Officer) at ceo@laurelhouse.org.au, and should include:

• the Application Form;
• your resume;
• a statement (no longer than 2 pages) explaining your skills, experience and qualifications, highlighting key strengths and addressing the criteria; and
• a declaration of any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.

Applications Close: 1 March 2022