Lucy’s Project Ltd is a registered charity on the Prevention of Harm Registry (with DGR status). We are committed to creating a safer future for people and animals affected by domestic and family violence. We believe in systemic change- removing the roadblocks to safety and increasing access to services for people and animals. Our fundamental approach is the C.A.R.E framework- Collaboration- creating a network of peers to build resources and tools, Advocacy- and awareness to be a voice for  and platform the lived experience of people and animals, Research- to advance the evidence based practice in the field and better understand the dynamics of human and animal abuse Education- to enhance knowledge in the field and in the community about the critical, life saving things we can do to better support people and animals experiencing violence. 

• Lucy’s Project is a grassroots organisation with a core mission of improving safety outcomes for people with animals in crisis, in Australia. 
• We focus on Domestic Violence but also highlight how animal abuse is a form of criminality that reflects other anti-social and criminal behaviours. 
• We highlight the importance of the human animal bond both when it is abused as a form of coercive control, but also the value of animals to rehabilitate, support and offer joy to families during crisis.
• We are funded by the NSW Government, fundraising activities, memberships and donations.  

We are looking for a passionate, experienced Company Secretary to join the board in a volunteer capacity. 

Key Relationships and Reporting Structures

The Board is lead by the Executive Director, the Chair and the Secretary. There are currently 5 board members of equal status, carrying different portfolios. 

Th Executive sits underneath the Board in the hierarchy, and consists of the Treasurer, CEOand other roles to be determined. The executive reports to the Executive Director and the board.

The Project Lead Roles, Administration, Fundraising and Social Media roles report to the Board via the Executive  Director

Contractors such as bookkeepers, web designers, CETO etc report to the CEO, Board or the relevant Coordinator, depending on the task and its scope

Position Scope

The Secretary is to provide comprehensive company secretarial support to the Board of Governance and the CEO, as well to provide governance advice to the Leadership and Management Teams more generally.  This position has been created in line with recommendations arising from a recent Governance review. 

Key Accountabilities

The Secretary will fulfil the accountabilities of this role in accordance with Lucy’s Project’s ethics, principles and values and the following four areas of accountabilities outlined below:

• Vision
• Strategy
• Innovation
• Financial Accountability and Sustainability

In relation to Vision, the Secretary will:

• Guide the company toward our collective goals, be passionate, dedicated and motivated to improve outcomes for people with animals experiencing DFV.
• Have a clear vision for the company’s direction and success metrics
• Guide and provide leadership to all staff, advise the Board on organisational activities, oversee and streamline daily operations, and execute special business projects. 
• Promote the company mission 

In relation to corporate governance, the Secretary will:

• Organise meetings. schedule and prepare invitations for meetings, create agendas according to the organization’s bylaws and distribute them to members, along with any supporting documentation.
• Build communication. 
• Preparing materials. Prepare reports according to company guidelines to be distributed before the meeting unless the organization’s regulations state otherwise.
• Recording minutes- extract key information from meetings, take detailed minutes, and send them to the full board of directors within a week. 
• Maintain documentation. Review and update documents so they contain accurate and verified information. Preserve all meeting records approved by directors.
• Informing board members. Informs board members of news affecting their job responsibilities and explains how it applies to them. Keep abreast of recent changes in legislation or relevant laws.

In relation to Strategy, the Secretary will:

• Strategic Plan - align the Board agenda with the strategic plan, and report against agreed success measures within the agreed timeframes. 
• All Board members are well apprised of both the organisation’s activities and their role within the organization 
• The strategic plan is embedded in all aspects of Board activity and Leadership/Management Team reporting. Help the Board to identify strategic issues in their sector and the short-, medium- and long-term implications for NTV. Provide a framework within which senior staff and the Board can review the strategic plan (annually). Ensure the Annual Report is also aligned against the strategic plan. 
• Board Reports – review current Board reporting templates to ensure that the Board is kept abreast of all pertinent issues, and that the Board can manage risk as a strategic opportunity rather than as a compliance issue. 

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

The essential knowledge, skills, and attributes of the Secretary include proven:

• High level of knowledge and awareness of the DFV sector and relevant Commonwealth and state legislation related to DFV and animal welfare
• Understanding of the dynamics of the human/animal bond and abuse of that bond, in particular coercive control
• Legal qualifications, including current non-restricted admission to practice as a solicitor in an Australian state or territory  (desirable).
• Proven experience as a Company Secretary, with exposure to the full spectrum of Company Secretarial tasks
• Proven high level of written and verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain confidentiality 
• AICD or other post-graduate qualifications 
• Prior experience working as a Company Secretary in a not-for-profit or non-government organisation with experience working with voluntary directors 
• An understanding of the gendered nature of family violence and the need for appropriate responses ability to manage competing demands within limited timeframes.
• Qualifications and relevant experience in the areas of DFV, human services and/or social sciences is preferred

Work Environment

The position is based remotely. Anyone in Australia is welcome to apply.   Travel and face-to-face meetings may be required. The board meets via online meetings 4 times per year. There is an expectation of between 10-20 hours per month to be dedicated to the role. No Board positions are paid, according to our constitution. 

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING

The Secretary must be able to gain a cleared National Police History Check and Working with Children Check.

There must be no lawful reason that the person cannot hold the position of Director.

The Secretary must ensure that they hold and keep current the required registration to perform the role (e.g., Directors ID,) and advise Lucy’s Project of any change in circumstances that may impact on the continuation of registration or licence.