About The Darbon Institute Ltd

The Darbon Institute Ltd is a not-for-profit organisation working to create a healthier Australia and Aotearoa / New Zealand where the harms of genital cutting are prevented and people with lived and living experience of those harms are heard, supported and empowered. We do this through public and professional education, lived and living experience leadership, and trauma-informed support.

Public and professional education - We develop educational resources for professionals and are building a platform for people to share their stories of circumcision harms using a strengths-based narrative to change community attitudes and build public support for ending this harmful practice.

Lived and living experience leadership - We meaningfully engage people with lived and living experience of the harms of genital cutting and empower them to effectively share their stories and act as agents of change.

Trauma-informed support - We are establishing trauma-informed support services for people with lived and living experience of genital cutting harms, including survivors and parents who regret having the procedure performed on their children.

The Darbon Institute Ltd is a registered Australian Charity and is in the process of applying for Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status in Australia.

The Role(s)

The Darbon Institute Ltd (The Darbon Institute) is seeking to appoint the following positions to its volunteer Board of Directors:

• General Directors - We are looking for people based in Australia and Aotearoa / New Zealand with background, skills, and experience in:
  • Counselling, psychotherapy, psychology, sexology or medicine
  • Finance and accounting
  • Communications and social media marketing

Roles & Responsibilities

Strategy and planning - contributing to the long-term development and sustainability of The Darbon Institute and its activities with a focus on risk management.

Accountability - ensuring The Darbon Institute meets its legal and governance obligations.

Representation - advocating for The Darbon Institute (and the communities in which we work) to partners and donors.

Resourcing - securing financial support and pro-bono/in-kind products and services to support The Darbon Institute’s work.

Additional Desirable Attributes

• An understanding of the not-for-profit sector and membership-based organisations in Australia.
• A strong existing network in Australia or Aotearoa / New Zealand that can help drive opportunities and outcomes for the organisation.
• Previous governance experience and/or relevant governance qualifications.

Time Commitment

The Darbon Institute Board members are eligible for re-appointment every three years up to a maximum of nine years continuous service. Service on the board is of a voluntary nature. Board members are currently responsible for the governance and some management of operational activities given the organisation has no employed staff. The organisation’s operations are overseen by a part-time Executive Officer.

• Attend (via Microsoft Teams) bi-monthly scheduled Board meetings of approximately 1 hour each, as well as additional meetings from time to time that may be required throughout the year.
• Attend the AGM once per year for up to 2 hours. This will either be in-person or via Zoom / Microsoft Teams.
• Contribute, on average, a minimum of 4 hours per month in addition to board meetings to network, promote and explore opportunities for the organisation.
• Undertake special projects and assignments in conjunction with other Board members and/or the Executive Officer to assist in progressing the organisation’s purpose and mission.

For more information, visit darboninstitute.org, or call Jonathan Meddings on 0437 435 091.