Who we are:

Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) is seeking to appoint two volunteer External Directors to join our existing Board of Directors. One of these positions will be sought from suitable applicants who identify as having an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander background.

Speech Pathology Australia is the national professional peak body for speech pathologists and represents more than 11,000 speech pathologists across Australia. Speech pathologists are university-trained allied health professionals who provide services to people with speech, language, and communication disorders and swallowing difficulties, and work with their family, carers and the community.

Speech Pathology Australia is recognised by government as the national scientific and professional standards organisation for speech pathologists in Australia. The Association has established and monitors the educational, clinical and ethical standards required for practising membership and holds functions of assessing those with overseas qualifications and accrediting university programs.

Speech Pathology Australia has seen significant growth in its membership, resources and activities over recent years, with the Board of Directors seeking to expand the knowledge and experience base of its governance structure, through the introduction of External Directors.

Speech Pathology Australia has a strong ethical and values base and is committed to innovation and professional leadership.

About the role:

The Board of Directors governs Speech Pathology Australia and is the Association’s ultimate decision-making and policy-setting body. The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for:

• Pursuing the Association’s vision and mission
• Determining the strategic plan and priorities, and monitoring its implementation
• Ensuring a resource base to support the Association’s activities.

SPA’s Board of Directors, which currently has seven General Directors, is seeking to appoint up to two External Directors for a term of 2 years, who may be re-appointed for subsequent terms.

One of the positions is dedicated as a person who is from an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Island background.

The skills and attributes required of Directors are included in a skills matrix and can be broadly categorised into 3 areas:

Director Governance Skills (Board Directors should have a balance of these skills and they should be held collectively by the Board as a whole.)

Industry Specific Skills (Industry-related and/or member organisation/association experience, creating a mix of backgrounds)

Diversity and Non-Skills based criteria (diversity is valued by the Association)

Whilst appointments to the Board are based upon merit, the Board of Directors as a collective will encompass diversity in experience, skills and perspectives.

At this time, the experience and skill set sought in External Directors, and therefore highly valued, include:

• Strong experience in consumer engagement
• Knowledge of and experience in public policy and advocacy
• Experience in marketing and communications strategy development
• Business and financial acumen
• Alignment with the organisation’s culture and values
• An interest in making a difference in the lives of people with communication disorders and swallowing difficulties

Some knowledge of the speech pathology profession and/or users of their services, as well as experience serving on not-for-profit Boards and Committees is desirable, but not essential. Graduates of the AICD Company Directors course would also be highly regarded.

The Governance and Risk Committee will review Applicants against SPA’s skills matrix, giving high regard to the above skills, and the complement of the Applicant’s skill base against the current Board of Directors.

The successful candidate’s expected commitment will include attending Board of Director meetings, held quarterly on a Friday afternoon/evening and Saturday. Subject to health restrictions, meetings will be held face-to-face at Speech Pathology Australia’s National Office in Melbourne CBD. (Travel and Accommodation and related expenses will be funded by Speech Pathology Australia, as required.) Additional meetings are scheduled virtually, where required.

How to apply for the position of Independent (External) Director:

Applications must be submitted on the Application Form provided and include a CV and a brief covering letter highlighting your suitability for the role and particularly the skill set you believe you offer at this time.

The Governance and Risk Committee will review Applicants against SPA’s skills matrix, giving high regard to the above skills, and the complement of the Applicant’s skill base against the current Board of Directors.

Shortlisted Applicants will be invited to attend an interview.

An Applicant Information Package is available. For further information about the role, please email [email protected] using the subject line: Independent (External) Directors x2 - Voluntary / Expenses paid enquiry via EthicalJobs, and the National President and/or the CEO will respond to you.

Speech Pathology Australia is committed to equity and inclusion and welcomes applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people of all abilities, and people from LGBTQIA+ communities.