ROLE DESCRIPTION. Board Member

Transcription

1 ROLE DESCRIPTION Board Member ORGANISATIONAL OVERVIEW AND CONTEXT Developmental Disability Council of WA (trading as Developmental Disability WA) was established in 1985 and is a trusted source of independent information, advocacy, education and support for people with intellectual and other developmental disability, their families and the people who support them. Our Vision - People with developmental disabilities and their families live their lives their way. Our Values are founded on: People are the experts in their own lives and have the right to self-determination and contribution. Our membership and our relationships reflect the diversity of this community of interest. Sometimes people need skills and support to be heard. Developmental Disability WA practices dedication to long lasting change. Mutually supportive relationships sustain us and keep us connected, inspired and motivated. DDWA works in three main ways: To support people with developmental disabilities and their families to have a strong voice and seek change where needed. To influence government and other decision makers to make positive and lasting change. To build the expectations and capacity of people with developmental disability and their families. To inform people and families about their rights, choices and options to equitable services and supports. To support people with developmental disabilities and their families to live their everyday lives. To partner with others to develop more connected and inclusive communities.

2 Developmental Disability WA Inc BOARD MEMBERSHIP* (a) (b) "Individual" being any natural person who supports the Aims and Objectives of the Council. (Representative from) "Organisation" being those members who are incorporated or unincorporated non-government bodies or other groups which are engaged in delivering a direct service to people with developmental disability or provide on-going family support, information or advocacy to people with developmental disability and their families. * At any time, there must be no less than 3 Organisation members and no less than 3 Individual / Honorary Life members on the Board. ROLE OVERVIEW Board Members are appointed in accordance with the Constitution of Developmental Disability Council of WA trading as Developmental Disability WA. Board Members are selected by reference to their background and experience which is relevant to the needs of DDWA. New Board Members are invited to join the Board by the Chairperson who makes the invitation based on recommendations made by the board. Board Members contribute by attending meetings of the Board and participating in discussion and decision making. Except where a Board Member declares a conflict of interest, each Board Member is entitled to one deliberative vote when a vote is taken. Board Members are encouraged to: Adopt a long term strategic perspective and anticipate and respond to changes in the external environment. Be stakeholder focussed - to be aware of community and government opinion and needs, to balance the demands of different stakeholders. Ensure the highest standards of financial accountability and ethical behaviour. Delegate operational decisions and actions to management. In discharging their duties, Board Members must: Exercise due care and diligence. Act in good faith in the best interests of DDWA. Not improperly use their position or misuse information. Commit the time necessary to discharge effectively their role as a Board Member. Individual Members of the Board cannot make decisions or act on behalf of DDWA unless they are specifically authorised to do so by the Board. Board Members have collective overall responsibility for corporate governance. They set the strategic direction of DDWA and agree the business objectives with management. The day to day operations are delegated by the Board to the Chief Executive Officer.

3 Developmental Disability WA Inc KEY RESPONSIBILITIES The key responsibilities of Board Members include: Setting the broad strategy, objectives and performance targets for DDWA, including the development and approval of strategic plans, annual reports, key procedures and policies. Reviewing the progress of DDWA towards achieving its specific goals. Providing risk management oversight for all key business, strategic and operational risks. Reviewing the internal financial and operational control environment for DDWA to ensure that they are effective and current (including non-compliance, anti-fraud, anti-corruption and critical incident reporting systems). Overseeing the management of DDWA by the Chief Executive Officer to ensure it is operating effectively, has a culture of compliance and best practice business performance in areas of financial, human resource, risk management and asset management. Developing an appropriate culture within DDWA to promote and enforce ethical behaviour. KEY RELATIONSHIPS Developmental Disability WA Board Members Developmental Disability WA Chief Executive Officer Developmental Disability WA Members Developmental Disability WA stakeholders and volunteers PERFORMANCE REVIEW The Board s performance (collective and individual) is reviewed annually in the Annual Board Performance Appraisal as part of the Annual Strategic Planning Review. ACCOUNTABILITY Board Members are accountable to: The Membership at the Annual General Meeting. Stakeholders via Annual Report. Australian Securities and Investment Commission, Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission and/or similar State Authorities via Annual Returns and Reports. Accreditation, Certification, Registration or similar quality assessment processes by Quality Auditor/s (Leadership/Board requirements). Commonwealth, State Departments, Local Government, Trustees, Donors, Sponsors, Contract/s deliverables and outcomes where applicable.

4 BOARD MEMBER SELECTION CRITERIA: INDIVIDUAL AND ORGANISATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES CRITERIA ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE Previous Experience Knowledge and Skills Personal Qualities Qualifications, Education and Training Board Member experience Senior Executive experience Governance capability: Knowledge of a Board Member s responsibilities including an understanding of the legal, ethical, fiduciary and financial responsibilities. Strategic and policy expertise: The ability to review strategy and policy through constructive questioning and suggestion and contribute to the effective decision making of the board. Accounting and financial capability: The ability to read and comprehend the organisation s accounts and financial information presented to the board; understanding of financial reporting requirements and corporate finance. Legal knowledge and skills sufficient to oversee compliance with applicable laws and an understanding of a Board Member s legal duties and responsibilities. Knowledge of basic risk management practices and the ability to broaden this knowledge. Sound grasp of current management practices (including employment and cultural change, information technology, business systems, marketing, branding and stakeholder engagement). Commitment to the DDWA mission and values. Active contributor who is collaborative, curious and courageous. Critical and innovative thinker who is well-informed on relevant current issues. Commercial judgement and instinct Emotional intelligence: Self-awareness and the ability to listen to, and constructively and appropriately debate and influence other peoples views, develop and deliver cogent arguments, and communicate effectively. Relevant tertiary or other qualifications and training.. Relevant industry experience Person with a disability or family member An understanding of the not-for-profit sector. Relevant industry knowledge Membership of AICD or similar professional organisation

5 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Comply with criminal history checks as required by funding bodies. This includes production of a satisfactory National Police Clearance and completion of a statutory declaration prior to commencement and every three (3) years thereafter. Attend mandatory training sessions including fire drills; be familiar with emergency and evacuation procedures. Maintain safe working conditions and safe working practices in line with the standards, policies and practices of Developmental Disability WA and requirements of the OH&S Act including attendance of training when required. Comply with the policies and procedures of Developmental Disability WA, as amended from time to time. BOARD MEMBER S STATEMENT I have read, understand and accept the above Job Description. Board Member Name: Board Member Signature: Date: / / CULTURAL DIVERSITY: DDWA (WA) recognises and celebrates that the Australian community is comprised of people who bring to it a wide range of cultural traditions, languages, religious beliefs and values and DDWA (WA) is committed to ensuring that its organisational values, policies, procedures and practices are inclusive and reflect this respect for and appreciation of cultural diversity. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY and EO for WOMEN: DDWA (WA) values the contribution people make in the delivery of services we provide to the community. We believe that the effective utilisation of all people is the critical in ensuring our continued success. We support the aims of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984.