Expression of Interest

Beryl Women Inc. was established in 1975 as the ACT’s first women's refuge. Since then, it has become an established service that provides crisis and transitional accommodation, trauma-informed case management and outreach support to women and their children escaping domestic and family violence in the ACT.

The service has a strong focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and women from and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Beryl Women Inc. practices from a feminist framework and aims to empower women and children to live a life free from violence and abuse.

Board Secretary – Beryl Women Inc.

The Board has a vacancy for voluntary role of Secretary (Board member position) and is seeking women with the following skills and/or experience to complement the skillsets of current board members:

Applications from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander women and women from culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged for the Secretary position though we welcome applications from all women. As Beryl Women Inc. is a feminist organisation, this position would suit women with a commitment to upholding and promoting the rights of women and children to live in relationships and communities free of violence and the threat of violence.

Applicants must live in or near the ACT (enabling them to attend Board meetings in person, although online options are available to support adherence to public health guidelines around COVID-19).

About the role

Board Directors are expected to be ambassadors for Beryl Women Inc. Responsibilities include:

• Keeping minutes of committee meetings and general meetings (including annual general meetings); and
• Exercising any other function given to the secretary—
  • (i) under the Act or the Association’s rules; or
  • (ii) by the committee or the members to achieve the Association’s objects.
• Upholding the strategic vision of the organisation and implementing change where necessary

• Supporting the organisation to perform to a high standard and comply with best practice in service delivery and governance.
• Overseeing and evaluating Beryl Women Inc.’s financial management including financial controls, budgeting and expenditure
• Reviewing governance and operational policies and procedures
• Organising and / or participating in fundraising and other events for Beryl Women Inc.
• Advocating for Beryl Women Inc. and its clients, for example through law and policy reform and media presence

Duties include:

• Attending Board Meetings (8-10 per calendar year averaging every six weeks)
• Preparation for Board meetings (including interpreting corporate and financial documents).
• Responding promptly via email to matters which may arise out-of-session, in between meetings.
• Leading specific initiatives or projects for Beryl Women Inc.
• Participating on Board Committees (e.g., the Finance and Audit Committee.
• Ensuring compliance with general and specific laws applying to the service’s operations
• Exercising duties as outlined under the Associations Incorporation Act 1991 (ACT) in relation to decision making for the sound and efficient management of the service, and
• Acting with care and due diligence, in good faith and in the best interests of the service (including being properly informed about the key aspects of the service including financial and risk management).

Please click Apply Now to submit your application.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Robyn on 02 6230 6900 or via email at [email protected], using the subject line: Board Secretary (Voluntary) enquiry via EthicalJobs.