This is an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander designated position, classified under Section 12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

This opportunity is only available to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

South East Australian Aboriginal Justice Service Limited (SEAAJSL) is the overarching entity of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service. The Board of Directors of South East Australian Aboriginal Justice Service Limited are calling for new members to join the company 

About us:

We were established as a community-controlled organisation in 1973 to address the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the criminal justice system. The organisation has a long and proud history of providing legal and service support for Aboriginal Victorians who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing negative contact with the justice system and advocating locally, nationally and internationally for the rights of Aboriginal people.

The organisation has grown over the years (with further expansion options being pursued) and now offers criminal, family and civil law services, client services support, community legal education and a range of community justice support programs in Victoria.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

As a VALS COM member, you will be responsible for:

• Embodying and maintaining VALS values, vision, mission and strategies
• Establishing the organisation’s desired strategic outcomes and direction of strategic plans
• Monitoring the outcomes of the strategic and business plans and annual budget outcomes
• Review of annual budget proposed by the Executive Management Team
• Ensuring that VALS has appropriate corporate governance structures in place including standards of ethical behaviour and promoting a culture of corporate and social responsibility
• Ensuring compliance obligations and functions are effectively discharged
• Ensuring that all significant risks are adequately considered and accounted for by the Executive Management Team
• Participation in appropriate personal development opportunities
• Attending all meetings at the organisation’s Head Office or via video link or teleconference (available if required) 

ABOUT YOU

Ideally, you will possess:

• An appreciation and understanding of the role VALS play in the community
• Knowledge and skills in one or more areas of community representation, board governance: policy, programs, finance and/or personnel.
• A strong business acumen, with the ability to think strategically and provide leadership
• An ability to help establish strategic direction, working with the CEO, Executive Management Team and other committee members to obtain the resources, funds and personnel necessary to implement the organisation's objectives
• Good corporate governance understanding
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to review reports, monitor performance, identify risks and help to implement strategies
• For this position, qualifications or significant experience in Risk Management, Governance, and/or strategic planning would be highly desirable.
• A time commitment of 2 hours per month, which includes Board preparation, meeting and committee meeting time
• Willingness to serve on at least one of the two listed VALS sub-committee and participate actively in its work
  • Finance & Audit Committee
  • Risk, Quality, and Compliance Committee

A membership application form and a copy of the company constitution can also be found on our website.