Board Chair, Deputy Chair and 7 Members: Australian Research Council Board
The Australian Government is seeking applications for Chair, Deputy Chair and member positions on the Board of the Australian Research Council (ARC). The deadline for applications has been extended by one week to 4pm AEST (2pm AWST) on Monday 15 April 2024.
The Australian Government is seeking applications for Chair, Deputy Chair and member positions on the Board of the Australian Research Council (ARC). The deadline for applications has been extended by one week to 4pm AEST (2pm AWST) on Monday 15 April 2024.
This is an exciting opportunity to be an inaugural member of the new governing Board of the ARC. The Board will be established from 1 July 2024.
A strong, well-managed ARC will ensure Australia’s world-leading research continues to be at the forefront of international practice and national importance. The Board will play a crucial role in driving independence and integrity of the institution and its decision-making processes.
The Board will be responsible for the governance and accountability of the ARC with functions and powers under the ARC Amendment (Review Response) Act 2024, including:
The Board will comprise a Chair, Deputy Chair and up to seven other members, including:
The requirement for the Indigenous member and the Regional member in no way precludes other Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or regional persons, from being appointed in any role.
The Chair of the Board must have substantial experience or expertise, and professional credibility and significant standing, in one or more fields of research or in the management of research.
The majority of members must have substantial experience or expertise in one or more fields of research, or the management of research.
In addition to the statutory requirements, all those appointed to the Roles will demonstrate—among other things—board experience and a commitment to high standards of governance.
While the majority of those appointed to the Roles will be based in Australia, consideration may be given to candidates based overseas. Such candidates are likely to:
To ensure that candidates have sufficient time to consider and complete their applications, and to respond to feedback from potential candidates, the deadline for applications for the ARC board has been extended by one week to Monday 15 April.
The department is taking this opportunity to provide additional guidance regarding the management of conflicts of interest. The Australian Research Council Amendment (Review Response) Act 2024, as recently passed by Parliament, provides for strong integrity protections including through a restriction that Board members must not engage in any paid work that conflicts or could conflict with the proper performance of the member’s duties. Avoiding conflicts is essential given the Board’s accountability for the effective overall performance of the ARC, and for research funding decisions, in the new arrangements that follow the review of the ARC. Many roles in Australian universities will constitute paid work that conflicts with the proper performance of a board members’ duties, particularly if those roles involve applying for or receiving funding from the ARC or the management or leadership of research funding programs and administration. Governance roles in Australian universities such as Council or Senate members present similar challenges. If a prospective candidate considers that their specific circumstances do not present a conflict, and would not contravene this legislative provision, then they are encouraged to apply. The selection panel will consider conflicts of interest on a case-by-case basis as part of the shortlisting and assessment process.
Appointments are on a part-time basis for a period of up to 5 years. It is anticipated the Board will meet eight times per year and meetings may be face-to-face. Additional time will be required for preparing for meetings and other commitments.
The Remuneration Tribunal has determined the following annual remuneration for each role: Chair A$100,720; Deputy Chair A$75,540; Member A$50,360.
The ARC is a central pillar in Australia’s research landscape, administering the National Competitive Grants Program, evaluating the quality, and impact of research, safeguarding research integrity, and providing advice and support to the Australian Government on research matters. The ARC also facilitates partnerships between researchers, industry, government, community organisations and the international community.
The ARC will invest over $895 million in 2023-24 in non-medical research undertaken by the most dynamic researchers in Australia — a significant component of the Australian Government’s investment in research and development.
The establishment of this new Board is part of the Government’s response to the independent Review of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 (see Review of the Australian Research Council Act 2001 - Department of Education, Australian Government).
Under the terms of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act) the Board will be the accountable authority of the ARC with functions and powers set out in ARC Amendment (Review Response) Act 2024.
To apply for these positions, you must complete the online application form via the "Apply Now" button. Applications close at precisely 4pm AEST (2pm AWST) on Monday 15 April 2024. We recommend you complete and submit the form well in advance of the close date, in case you have any technical issues. Applications submitted via any other platform will not be reviewed.
A detailed Role specification is available at boardsearch.com.au/ARCspec
Website: boardsearch.com.au/arc
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