Non-Executive Director

BOARD VACANCY – NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

House with No Steps is a human rights based organisation that helps people with disability live great lives. HWNS was established in 1962 by Lionel Watts, a man with quadriplegia as a result of polio, and his wife Dorothy, as a result of Lionel’s first hand experience of the inequities experienced by people with a disability.

Lionel leveraged his commercial and entrepreneurial experience to establish an organisation which is now a leading provider of services and supports in Australia.

Over the past 10 years, HWNS has experienced strong growth, supports thousands
of people and has over 2,500 employees. We anticipate growth and
expansion will continue as the National Disability Insurance Scheme rolls out.
HWNS is proud to have supported the campaign to establish the NDIS since its
inception, and has had the opportunity to learn from extensive experience in the NDIS
trial sites in the Hunter and ACT. We are excited about the opportunities the NDIS affords.

The HWNS 2016-19 strategic plan includes innovation and transformation as key drivers of ongoing success.

HWNS is a company limited by guarantee. The HWNS Board is professional and skills-based. All Directors are firmly committed to the vision, values and purpose of the organisation, while providing a diversity of skills, experience and perspectives. The Board is responsible for the governance and oversight of all aspects of HWNS’ operations and for promoting the strength of the organisation. The Board is seeking to make additional appointments to the Board to support effective succession and enhance its skills balance.

As a Non-Executive Director you would be expected to:

• Be aligned to the vision, values and purpose of HWNS
• Actively contribute to the organisation’s strategic direction
• Have the passion and time to commit to Board activities
• Act within applicable laws, code of conduct for Directors and policies
• Be accountable to HWNS’ customers, staff, funding agencies and community for the effectiveness, integrity and viability of the organisation
• Be a positive ambassador for HWNS and all people with a disability.
• Have a developed understanding of governance roles and responsibilities.
Valuable personal attributes include:

• Integrity, humility and a sense of humour
• Openness to difference and diversity
• Ability to see the big picture
• A balanced approach
• Good teamwork and communication skills.
Directors are appointed in accordance with the HWNS Constitution, typically for a three year term. Retiring directors are eligible for re-election but cannot serve more than 12 years. The position is voluntary but expenses are covered.

 
The following time commitment is expected:
• An initial investment of time to get to know HWNS services and customers
• Eight board meetings each year. Seven meetings are held at HWNS’ Sydney Head Office and one at a regional or interstate location. Skype and teleconferencing are available.
• Contribution to a Board Committee.
• Occasional participation in major organisational events.
• Attendance at workshops, Board training or other special meetings on occasion.
HWNS particularly encourages applications from:
• People with lived experience of disability
• People of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin
• People from diverse cultural backgrounds.