Job description

The Loop Safety Testing Ltd (operating as The Loop Australia) is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified people to join our Board of Directors, as Treasurer. This is a non-executive, voluntary role.

ABOUT THE LOOP AUSTRALIA

The Loop Australia is a registered charity established in 2018 to develop the sustainable provision of drug checking services in Australia.

The Loop Australia vision: A safer society where everyone can access accurate, timely, and relevant information to make more informed decisions about drugs.

The Loop Australia mission: Deliver a world-class drug checking service and disseminate information about drugs to individuals, service providers and policy makers.

The Loop Australia is a mostly volunteer-based organisation, with teams of chemists, health professionals and researchers based in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

We are a sister organisation to The Loop UK which formed in 2013 and has provided welfare, harm reduction and testing at nightclubs, festivals and other events since 2013, and drug checking for the public since 2016.

The Loop is an ACNC-registered, health-promotion charity and is a Company Limited by Guarantee registered with ASIC.

WHY JOIN OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

It’s an exciting time to join the board of The Loop AU. With new CEO Cameron Francis and a team of 30 talented volunteers across Victoria, NSW and Queensland, the organisation is going from strength to strength.

Over the past three years we’ve been working hard on getting drug checking services started. We’ve got the lab equipment and we’re working closely with partner organisations, government departments and agencies and MPs.

Recently we've had another big breakthrough in winning a grant to develop a drug checking pilot program in partnership with research and government organisations.

Now we’re looking to expand our board, with additional experience and knowledge in finance and risk governance to help build the success and sustainability of the organisation.

BY JOINING THE BOARD OF THE LOOP AUSTRALIA YOU CAN:

• Be part of an organisation with potential for big impact at a stage of growth where your expertise will make a big difference and be highly valued.
• Extend your expertise in areas outside your day-to-day work.
• Be part of an exciting phase of growth as drug checking takes off in Australia.
• Help make a difference on an important issue, and keep people safe.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Board directors of The Loop Australia hold responsibility for:

• Upholding The Loop Australia’s mission and values.
• Governance of the organisation, including strategic direction, risk and financial management.
• Supporting The Loop Australia’s growth as a provider of drug checking services.
• Providing expert advice, support and mentoring to the Chief Executive Officer.
• Ensuring The Loop Australia remains compliant with relevant regulatory bodies.
• Developing new income streams.

The Treasurer is a board director who provides financial oversight and an advisory role to the board, CEO and management in relation to The Loop's financial management and governance. The CEO is responsible for managing The Loop's operations and finances, as delegated and ensuring compliance with the board’s policies and directions.

The Loop Australia is seeking a Treasurer who can:

• Provide guidance and support to the CEO in reviewing financial reports to the board with a view to ensuring that they are fairly stated in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards and in compliance with ACNC regulations.
• In collaboration with the board advise the CEO on financial best practice in managing The Loop’s financial position and strategy. This includes advice on accounting policies and procedures, the implementation of sound internal control consistent with The Loop’s operations and assisting with general finance and accounting support.
• Work with the CEO to review The Loop budgets, forecasts, cash flow and financial performance and alert the board at board meetings on any significant matters including insolvency which require remedial action.

The Treasurer role will require knowledge of accounting and of the laws governing the organisation’s operation.

REQUIREMENTS FOR BOARD MEMBERS

The Australian Charities & Not for profit Commission (ACNC) set the following governance requirements for members:

• act with reasonable care and diligence
• act honestly and fairly in the best interests of the charity and for its charitable purposes
• not misuse their position or information they gain as a responsible person
• disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest
• ensure that the financial affairs of the charity are managed responsibly, and
• not allow the charity to operate while it is insolvent.

The Loop requires all volunteers, including board members, to commit to the following principles and values. The Loop Australia’s guiding principles are:

• We collaborate towards shared goals
• Our services are informed by the people we serve
• We learn by generating, reviewing and applying evidence
• We work efficiently and adapt as situations change
• We do what’s possible while working towards our vision

The Loop Australia’s values are integrity, excellence, empowerment and inclusivity.

TIME COMMITMENT

The Loop Australia board members commit to a maximum of six hours per month including:

• Attendance at six two-hour board meetings annually. These will be held face-to-face or via videoconference, and may be held after hours (e.g., 6.00pm - 8.00pm) depending on the availability of the majority of board members.
• Attendance at one board planning day annually.
• Approximately one hour pre-reading for ordinary board meetings.
• At least two additional meetings per year with the chair or Chief Executive Officer to tap into your particular expertise OR participation in a subcommittee.
• Approximately two to four hours per year to introduce the Chief Executive Officer or Chair to relevant contacts, as appropriate.
• Attendance at The Loop Australia events where possible.

Appointed board members serve a three-year term.

DIVERSITY

We encourage applications from people who have lived experience of drug use. We also encourage First Nations people, people with a disability, LGBTIQ+ and other sexuality, gender and bodily diverse people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply. We are committed to removing barriers for people from these communities, so let us know if there’s something we can do to make it more possible for you to apply by confidentially contacting [email protected].

If you need more information please contact board chair Dr Will Tregoning at [email protected] using the subject line: Board Director - Treasurer (Voluntary) enquiry via EthicalJobs.