Organisation Overview

Domestic Violence NSW Service Management (trading as Human & Co) is a registered charity (ABN: 26-165-400-635) which aims to prevent violence and provide support and assistance to women and children escaping or experiencing domestic and family violence and homelessness.

Our vision: A future free from fear. We strive for a world where safety isn’t conditional. A future where gendered violence is unthinkable.

Our purpose: Where safety has no exceptions and support knows no limits. We exist to walk alongside those who reach out for help. To hold space for healing and to do everything in our power to ensure no one is ever left without options.

Our Values: People centred, Evidence based Continuous learning, Respect, Integrity

About the role:

As part of our process of Board renewal and Directors reaching their maximum tenure, we will have some Director vacancies over the course of 2026 and 2027. The Board has reviewed its skills matrix and are particularly interested in potential Directors with the skills and attributes outlined in the section titled “Priority Skills Areas”.

Our Board is made up of a passionate and diverse group of people, each bringing their own unique skills, experience, and perspective. What unites them all is a shared dedication to the Human & Co. vision and a commitment to making a lasting difference in the communities we serve. Working in close partnership with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the Board provides meaningful oversight and support, championing our purpose from the top without stepping into day-to-day operations.

Board Members provide strategic leadership, governance oversight, and accountability stewardship, always acting in the best interests of DVSM Human & Co and the communities we serve.

Key Accountabilities

Organisational strategy and performance

• Provide leadership and strategic guidance, in addition to overseeing management's implementation of agreed strategy.
• Strive to achieve the organisation's Vision and Intent and monitor performance to ensure the organisation is working according to its strategic plan and agreed priorities.
• Support CEO and Senior Leadership Team through the implementation of the strategy.

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure the organisation meets all legal responsibilities and requirements in line with best practice corporate governance and acts in accordance with the Code of Conduct.
• Meet all legal and moral responsibilities of a director, including duties of care, diligence, good faith, and avoiding conflicts of interest.
• Ensure compliance with ACNC Governance Standards, Domestic Violence NSW Service Management’s Constitution, and applicable legislation.
• Oversee the risk management framework

Financial Stewardship

• Review and approve annual budgets, financial statements, and audited accounts.
• Monitor organisational financial health, sustainability, and new investments.

CEO Oversight

• Manage the recruitment, performance review, development and support of CEO.

Stakeholder Management

• Understand, and appropriately balance the needs of all key stakeholder groups.
• Represent our organisation professionally at events and use your networks to support our reputation, funding, and strategic and advocacy goals.

Director Responsibilities

Board Meetings - Bi-monthly (6 per year); approximately 2 hours online.

Reading preparation - Approximately 1-2 hours per meeting to review board papers.

Annual General Meeting - 1 per year; approximately 3 hours; in person.

Organisational Events - As required/possible, occasionally 1 or 2 per year.

You will be appointed for an additional 3 year term. This is a voluntary position which does not receive any remuneration. Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed with approval from the Chair.

Qualifications and Requirements

Essential

• Commitment to our organisation’s mission and the values of gender equity, safety, and respect.
• Understanding of regulatory and governance processes, director responsibilities, and the not-for-profit environment.
• Proven ability to engage constructively in board discussion, ask considered questions, and contribute to collective decision-making.
• Availability to meet the time commitment requirements of the role.
• Valid NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) or willingness to obtain one.
• National Police Check (satisfactory to the organisation).

Desirable

• Previous board, committee, or advisory experience (first-time directors are welcome).
• Networks or relationships relevant to the community services and homelessness sector, including DFV, health, government, or legal sectors
• Understanding of or connection to the communities we serve, including lived experience of DFV. Given our Wilcannia operation, we would welcome people from a First Nations background.

Priority Skill Areas

We believe a mix of backgrounds, experiences and skills strengthen our ability to serve with integrity, excellence, and trauma-informed care:

• Government and Policy: Experience in public policy, advocacy, or regulatory affairs, particularly in the community services or social policy space.
• Clinical and Health: Background in psychology, social work, allied health, or medicine, ideally with trauma-informed or DFV-specialist practice knowledge.
• Finance and Accounting: Qualified finance professional with experience in financial oversight, audit, or NFP financial management.
• Legal, Risk and Compliance: Legal professional with expertise in employment law, work health and safety, governance, risk management, or regulatory compliance.

How to Apply

If this is an opportunity you are passionate about we would love to hear from you. 

The selection process will entail an initial screen and interviews with current Directors. The shortlisted candidates will also meet with the CEO. A full Director induction will be offered.