The Sentencing Advisory Council (the Council) is an independent statutory body established in 2004 under the Sentencing Act 1991 and sits within the Attorney-General's portfolio. The Council's mission is to bridge the gap between the community, the courts and government by informing, educating and advising on sentencing issues.

The Sentencing Act provides that the functions of the Council are to:

• Provide statistical information on sentencing, including information on current sentencing practices to members of the judiciary and other interested persons
• Conduct research and disseminate information to members of the judiciary and other interested persons on sentencing matters
• Gauge public opinion on sentencing matters
• Consult on sentencing matters with government departments and other interested persons and bodies as well as the general public
• Advise the Attorney-General on sentencing matters
• Provide the Court of Appeal with the Council's written views on the giving, or review, of a guideline judgment.

The Board meets once a month in the evenings, both online and in-person in Melbourne. In addition, Board members need to undertake several hours of pre-reading in preparation for the meetings.

Directors are appointed on a sessional basis. A Director’s role is to attend meetings of the Board and, where relevant, participate in other Council activities.

Directors are required to:

• Attend meetings of the Board as necessary;
• Provide guidance to the secretariat in relation to Council publications and other products;
• Actively contribute to setting the strategic priorities of the Council;
• Participate in the governance and compliance activities of the Council; and
• Where relevant, represent the Council in the media and in other public forums.

A director holds office for the term (not exceeding three years) that is specified in their instrument of appointment and is eligible for re-appointment.

For more information about the Sentencing Advisory Council, please visit the website at: www.sentencingcouncil.vic.gov.au

Applicants for this role must have knowledge of, and/or expertise in, the operation of the criminal justice system and be able to demonstrate:

• Strong networks with key Council stakeholders, such as the legal profession, law reform bodies, the judiciary, education bodies, media organisations, advocates and representatives of victims of crime.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to the development of evidence-based public policy.
• Proven track record in representing divergent views fairly and effectively.

A demonstrated ability to analyse and contribute to quantitative research will be highly regarded.

The Sentencing Act requires that persons with specified experience undertake a certain number of Board positions.

Applicants are sought for the following positions:

• A person with broad experience in community issues affecting courts;
• A member of a victim of crime support or advocacy group;
• A person involved in the management of a victim of crime support or advocacy group, who is a victim of crime or a representative of victims of crime;
• A highly experienced defence lawyer;
• A person with experience as a senior member of the academic staff of a tertiary institution; and
• A person with experience in the operation of the criminal justice system.

As part of the application process, applicants will be asked to specify which of the above positions they are applying for. You can select as many options that apply to you. Applicants will also be asked to provide details about their experience relevant to the option/s they have selected.

Aboriginal community members and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards and committees reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community.

We encourage applications from qualified people of all ages, Aboriginal people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and from lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, gender diverse, intersex and queer people, as well as people living in rural and regional Victoria. We will provide adjustments to the recruitment process upon request.

You do not have to disclose any personal information if you do not want to, but it can help us understand how we can support you through the recruitment process and beyond. We invite you to tell us if you identify as Aboriginal, a person with disability, from a culturally or linguistically diverse background, LGBTIQ+ or a young person, aged 25 years old or less.

If you identify as any of the above, we would welcome the opportunity to contact you and discuss how we can support you through the recruitment process. Sharing this information will help you access support should you need it and will also help us to better understand the impact of our work.

How to apply

Please click the Apply Now button on this advertisement. Applications should address the Key Selection Criteria and include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats. #DJCS

Appointees are subject to police and probity checks undertaken routinely in accordance with current government policies. A Declaration of Private Interest is also required.

Applicants with further enquiries may contact Paul McGorrery, Sentencing Advisory Council, CEO at [email protected] using the subject line: Board Director - Sentencing Advisory Council enquiry via EthicalJobs.

An independent panel will assess all applications and interview a short-list of candidates.