Independent Chair of the Board

EWON – Independent Chair of the Board

The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) provides all energy and some water customers with independent, free, informal dispute resolution services. The Ombudsman achieves fair and reasonable complaint outcomes for all parties; provides leading customer service; identifies and investigates systemic issues and influences evolving energy and water public policy. EWON is not a consumer advocate, nor does EWON represent the industries it oversights.

EWON was founded in 1998, as an industry-based Ombudsman scheme, to independently resolve complaints about the industry members of the scheme. It is also approved as the external dispute resolution scheme for energy and water disputes by the NSW Government.

EWON’s Board comprises five industry and five community Directors and an independent Chair. This governance structure underpins the functioning of EWON as an independent and highly reputable industry-based Ombudsman office as specified in its Constitution. The independent Chair represents neither the energy or water industry nor consumers; and can have no conflicts with, or close ties to, any of the member organisations or the consumer advocacy organisations which are part of its key stakeholder network.

Professor Julian Disney AO, having been Chair of EWON for six years, has advised his intention to resign effective 30 September 2018. A high calibre replacement is therefore now required to effect seamless governance transition.
Applications are invited for the role and candidates are encouraged to read the background material available from Boardroom Partners – mail@boardroompartners.com.au.

The Independent Chair will be initially appointed for a three-year term and is eligible for re-appointment for a maximum of one further term.

EWON requires an independent Chair who ideally would bring:

• Demonstrated experience as a Chair and Board member.
• Demonstrated strength of leadership including active management of a Board
• Strong values that align with EWON.
• A balance of experience across commercial and the not-for-profit sectors.
• Broad familiarity with the perspectives of industry, not for profit and consumer organisations.
• Capacity to bring strategic oversight to the work of the Board and EWON.
• Ability to analyse key financial reports for the organisation.
• Availability to devote sufficient time to the role.

A detailed explanation of the role of EWON is available at www.ewon.com.au/age/about-us

For further information about the role please email Boardroom Partners at mail@boardroompartners.com.au

Applications (letter of interest and a current CV) will be received until 5.00pm Wednesday, 18 July 2018.