Switchboard Victoria is based on the lands of the Yaluk-ut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung peoples. 
 
We acknowledge that our work takes place on lands that are under colonial occupation and that sovereignty has never been ceded. We hope to pay our deepest respects to Boon Wurrung elders, past and present, and wish to extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People across this Country we know as Australia.

About Switchboard Victoria (Inc.)

Switchboard Victoria is a community-based, not for profit organisation that provides peer-based, volunteer driven support services for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and gender diverse, Intersex, Queer, Asexual and more (LGBTIQA+) people and their friends, families and allies. 

Our current activities include: 

• Phone and web counselling and referral – Switchboard is the Victorian partner in the national QLife service. QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTIQA+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings, or relationships. 
• Community connections for older LGBTI+ people – Switchboard’s Pride in Ageing program works to tackle ageism and strengthen social inclusion and community connection for older LGBTI+* Victorians. The Out and About peer visiting program builds friendship and connection between LGBTI+ seniors living anywhere in Victoria through regular volunteer visits.  
• Rainbow Door - is a free specialist LGBTIQA+ helpline providing information, support, and referral to all LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their friends and family. Rainbow Door supports people of all ages and identities with issues that may include suicidal thoughts, family, and intimate partner violence (including elder abuse), alcohol and other drugs, relationship issues, sexual assault, social isolation, mental health and wellbeing. 
• Suicide prevention - research and development of suicide prevention resources and programs for LGBTIQA+ communities. 
• QTIBPoC Programs - The QTIBPoC program aims to build connection and greater equity for Queer, Trans, Intersex and Bla(c)k, Indigenous and/or People of Colour and People of Faith. The program runs free events and workshops throughout the year led by and for QTIBPoC communities.
• Training Program – Switchboard delivers a range of training to the community and service sector organisations. Trainings offerings include LGBTIQA+ Inclusive Practice, How to Recognise and Respond to F/IPV, How to Talk About Suicide Safely, Everyday Racism in the Workplace and Peer Support Training. Staff are accredited to deliver LivingWorks programs ASIST and safeTALK.
• Rainbow Families - Connecting and supporting LGBTIQA+ parents, carers, and their families. Supporting services to develop and deliver rainbow family-inclusive better practice across Victoria.

Switchboard Victoria is a community-based, not for profit organisation that provides peer-based, volunteer driven support services for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and gender diverse, Intersex, Queer, Asexual and more (LGBTIQA+) people and their friends, families and allies.

Position Summary

A General Member participates in Board meetings, Committee meetings and the work of the Board. They contribute the discussion and decision-making and undertake tasks as required, with the best interests of Switchboard Victoria in mind. The responsibilities outlined here also apply to executive board members.

This is a volunteer role - No remuneration is paid.

Time commitment: 3 hours per week, including some weekend and evening work.

Reporting Arrangements: The Chair reports to the Board via a written report at Board meetings, and to the membership via a written report presented at the Annual General Meeting.

Period of Tenure: A two-year term with general Board duties and specific statutory responsibilities under the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 and under the Rules of the Association.  

Roles and Responsibilities

General

• On being elected to the Board, undertake induction and training procedures as provided by the Board.

Governance

• Consider, debate and vote on issues before the Board on the basis of the best interests of Switchboard Victoria only.
• Comply with the Rules of the organisation.
• Support Board decisions once they are made.
• Respect and adhere to the authority of the CEO and staff and the limitations of the Board, its Committees and members.

Planning

• Contribute to, review and approve Switchboard Victoria’s Strategic Plan, and other consequential plans (business or marketing plans etc).

Meetings

• Attend all meetings. All Board members are expected to attend a minimum of 75 percent of Board meetings, and of any sub-committees of which they are a member. The majority of attendance is expected to be in person, to maximise meeting effectiveness (I.e. no more than two meetings per year via tele/web conference call, except in negotiation with the Chair).
• Where Board papers are circulated in advance of the meeting, read papers and consider issues before the meeting.
• Contribute to the discussion and resolution of issues at Board and Committee meetings and otherwise as appropriate.
• Volunteer for and undertake tasks arising from Board and Committee decisions.

Administrative & Management

• Serve on Board committees as required.
• Review and approve Switchboard Victoria’s systems for financial control and risk management.
• Understand the organisation’s finances (including solvency).

Media

• Under the organisation’s Media Policy, serve as a spokesperson for Switchboard as appropriate.

Promotion and representation

• Participate in representation of Switchboard Victoria and promotion of our services in community events, forums and beyond.
• Promote Switchboard Victoria within LGBTIQA+ communities, and in the broader community, as opportunities arise.

Fundraising and events

• Participate enthusiastically in any Switchboard fundraising and events approved by the Board.

Negotiation and advocacy

• Reach into diverse communities and networks, and help identify and cultivate relationships to support Switchboard Victoria as donors, volunteers, advocates and partners.
• As appropriate and invited by the CEO and/or Chair and/or Deputy Chair, represent and advocate for Switchboard’s interests in community events and forums, and with stakeholders and funders, to promote and advance Switchboard’s reputation, interests, services and mission.

Legal and ethical

• As appropriate, use your personal and professional contacts and expertise to benefit Switchboard Victoria, without compromising ethics or trespassing on relationships.
• Avoid making any improper use of their position in Switchboard Victoria, and information acquired by virtue of that position, to gain material advantage for themselves, or anyone else, or to the detriment of Switchboard Victoria.
• If they have any direct or indirect material personal interest in any contract with the organisation, inform the Board immediately, and not vote in the Board on that issue.
• If they have any non-material personal conflict of interest in any matter before the Board, or believe that the perception of such conflict might arise, inform the Board immediately and follow the Board’s rulings as to proper procedure.
• Maintain confidentiality of Board, Committee and organisation work unless otherwise authorised.
• At all times conduct Board business politely and with consideration for others, without ill feeling, improper bias or personal animus.

Key Selection Criteria

Essential

• Applicant must identify as part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender diverse, Intersex, asexual (LGBTIQA+) community [Switchboard Victoria has an exemption under the Equal Employment].
• Professionalism and ethical conduct in implementing the role of a Board member.
• Demonstrated commitment to the purpose, vision and goals of Switchboard Victoria.
• Capacity to contribute to review of Switchboard Victoria’s strategic direction.
• Capacity and commitment to contributing to a well-functioning Board, which operates according to sound governance principles and fulfils its responsibilities under relevant legislation.
• Strong understanding of LGBTIQA+ communities
• Strong understanding and demonstrated capacity to support Switchboard’s commitment to anti-racism, including:
  • Commitment and capacity to support organisational development to increase organisational anti-racism capability
  • Demonstrated capacity to receive and give critical feedback in relation to race and racism
  • Demonstrated capacity to lead, support & facilitate others to build capacity to put anti-racism into practice
• Strong understanding and demonstrated capability to promote cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Capacity to act honestly and in the best interests of Switchboard Victoria.

Desirable

• Qualifications or experience with financial management, risk management, strategic planning, fundraising and business development, or clinical governance
• Experience in the not-for-profit health and human services sector

To find out more and apply

To apply, please upload your resume listing all relevant employment and volunteer experience and qualifications, and a cover letter.

Contact: For more information please contact Morgan Podesta, Board Chair.

Email: [email protected] using the subject line: General Board Member (Voluntary) enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Switchboard Victoria is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion in our workforce and will consider all qualified applicants, regardless of sex, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability or national origin.  Switchboard especially welcomes and encourages applications from people who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; trans, gender diverse or intersex; disabled; carers; live with HIV, are culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), People of Colour and/or People of Faith; identify with having lived experiences of suicide and mental ill-health.