Non-Executive Directors – Centacare New England North West

The Catholic Diocese of Armidale covers a significant portion of the New England and North West area of NSW. The Diocese supports the community through pastoral care, education, and social welfare services. The Most Reverend Michael Kennedy is Bishop of the Diocese.

Within the Diocese, there are various works of the Church, one of which is Centacare New England North West (Centacare NENW) which provides a range of social welfare and community services.

As a Catholic agency, Centacare NENW provides services to the entire community, regardless of religion, circumstance, ethnicity, economic situation, age, gender or ability.

With a staff of more than 150 plus volunteers and operating from nine locations, Centacare NENW provides social welfare services and creates hope for thousands of people each year. Funding primarily from the Federal and New South Wales governments enables Centacare NENW to provide quality services to those in need of a range of areas including counselling and psychological support; family, workplace, and property mediation; education and skills building for children and adults; support for people with a disability; and support for people living with mental illness.

In 2021/22 Centacare NENW’s annual turnover will be approximately $21.5 million.

Centacare NENW is an incorporated entity and is a charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not for profits Commission (ACNC).

The Board of Centacare NENW has recently transitioned from an Advisory Board to a Board of Governance. It is a skills-based board comprised of up to nine members; all non-executive Directors are chosen for the diverse set of skills they bring. The Board determines the policies, strategic plans, and performance targets for the organisation to ensure suitability of services, growth and sustainability.

Centacare NENW is seeking applications for up to two Non- Executive Directors (NED) with the skills and experience set out below.

Selection Criteria

Applications are sought from candidates who have an executive or NED background with experience and skills in the following areas:

1. Information Technology related experience which could include:

• Enterprise architecture and infrastructure development;
• Technology innovation and digitization;
• Information and cyber security.

2. Legal skills

Experience in the following is also desirable:
• Tenders and social welfare funding;
• Community service delivery at an executive level;
• Church governance and administration.

In addition, all applicants should possess the following:

• Catholic faith and mission or alignment with Catholic beliefs and values;
• Experience in and well-developed understanding of Board Governance and risk preferably with AICD accreditation;
• Well-developed listening and communication skills with a collaborative approach in making an active contribution to board discussion and decisions;
• Commitment and ability to participate in Board activities (Board and Committee meetings);
• Ability to work effectively in a group including interpersonal skills and the ability to empathise with others;
• Ability to negotiate and be assertive where necessary;
• Leadership skills ;
• While ideally, nominees will come from the New England / North West area, highly suitable candidates from other areas will also be considered.

A modest annual fee will apply in recognition of the responsibility and commitment required for these roles. Reasonable expenses associated with board duties will be met by Centacare.