• Volunteer - Expenses paid

The Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) announces a call for applications for external Co-opted Directors. Our first cohort of Co-opted Directors have generously completed the maximum two terms of service, and greatly assisted our progression in the areas of good governance, accreditation, policy, finance and risk. In the 5 years since transitioning to a Company Limited by Guarantee, AOPA membership has grown 47%, staffing has grown 70% and our flagship event the AOPA Congress has doubled in size, becoming an internationally recognised fixture on the Orthotics and Prosthetics Calendar. It is an exciting time to be working towards better access to Orthotic & Prosthetic Services in Australia!

AOPA is the peak professional body which self-regulates Orthotist/Prosthetists in Australia. With over 550 members, AOPA accounts for approximately 80% of the Australian profession and is a vital credential for identification of appropriately qualified, current and competent practitioners. AOPA is the Australian Government appointed assessing authority for skills assessment for orthotist / prosthetist immigration, a member of Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA), and a founding member of the National Alliance of Self Regulating Health Professions (NASRHP) and is therefore an integral contributor in allied health regulation and advocacy in Australia.

Directors are responsible for the control, management and conduct of the Company. The AOPA constitution allows for a Board size of 8 to 10 which includes 7 General Directors and between 1-3 Co-opted Directors. General Directors must be full financial members of the Association and Co-opted Directors are recruited according to required areas of expertise.

Specifically, AOPA is seeking applications from interested parties with expertise in Accounting / Finance to join our Finance, Risk and Audit committee. The intention will be for the new director to join the Board before our first meeting of the new year, 4th February 2020. Co-opted directors may serve up to two, two-year terms.

There will be a minimum of 6 Board meetings per annum and an Annual General Meeting, which General Directors are expected to attend. AOPA is seeking 2 external directors who meet the following Director requirements:

1. Understanding of AOPA’s objectives and purposes
2. Strategic thinking and strategic vision
3. Understanding of governance
4. Risk management
5. Financial management
6. Time, energy and ability to attend and participate constructively in meetings
7. Required expertise, which includes the following:
   1. Finance / Accounting

Lived experience of disability, including the use orthoses, prostheses or assistive technology is desirable but not essential.