Board Member’s – Expression of Interest

Expression Australia is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from people who are suitable and willing to be considered for appointment to our Board of Directors. 

A little about Us 

Expression Australia’s vision is to give all people who are Deaf and hard of hearing every opportunity to connect with and contribute to society. To have the freedom to develop in all aspects of life, in  

their language of choice and for our support to extend to their families. Expression Australia strives to achieve this vision through transformational services, by optimising new technologies, addressing inequality and driving social change. 

Our purpose is to create opportunities for people who are Deaf and hard of hearing by delivering targeted services and affecting social change. We enable Deaf communities to flourish and are inclusive of all members of those communities irrespective of age or background. 

Our strategic priorities 

We have a strong strategic plan for 2021-2024 with our core strategic priorities being:

1. Advance our services: by delivering high-quality services and support to people who are Deaf  and hard of hearing, we create positive experiences and outcomes; 
2. Grow and develop our Deaf community: by actively supporting the growth of people who are Deaf and hard of hearing, we can create education and employment opportunities; 
3. Broaden our impact: by expanding our services and geographical footprint, we can reach more members of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community; 
4. Deeper connection: by building trust, we will further strengthen our relationship with people with are Deaf and hard of hearing. 

About our Board 

The Expression Australia board is comprised of a number of directors with varying experience from for profit and not-for-profit sectors. The Board provides governance and strategic leadership to the  organisation and invites and encourages a diverse and inclusive perspective from each board member.

The board is responsible for: 

(a) Appointing and providing guidance and support to the CEO; 

(b) Providing input, guidance and participation in the development and execution of the  Strategic Plan;

(c) Providing alignment and accountability to the organisation in achieving the strategic  objectives and priorities; 

(d) Being brand ambassadors for the organisation promoting the work and impact the  organisation has for the Deaf and hard of hearing community. 

Organisational and Board Structure 

Expression Australia is a company limited by guarantee and is registered as the Victorian Deaf  Society Ltd. The organisation also encompasses the Tasmanian Deaf Society Ltd and the Royal  Tasmanian Deaf and Blind Association. 

The CEO of the organisation is Rebecca Adam, the Chair of the Board is Demetrio Zema. The other  current members of the board are Praveen Reddy, Cassandra Hatton, Kathryn Forrest and Lynnere  Gray (Treasurer). 

Expression Australia has 130+ employees operating a variety of services across Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia. 

Role of a Board Member 

In the position as Director of Expression Australia, you will be expected to: 

• Participate in 7 board meetings per year and be an active contributor; 
• Participate in an annual strategy offsite; 
• Adhere to and execute your duties as a Director under the Corporations Act, the Expression  Australia Constitution and the Board Terms of Reference; 
• Become a member of a sub-committee (FAR, NR, IC) and attend relevant meetings. In this position you have the opportunity to: 
• Be an integral part of the evolution, development and expansion of Expression Australia as a  community business and organisation; 
• Guide, support and nurture the CEO and wider organisation striving to create positive  impact and relationships with the Deaf and hard of hearing community; 
• Assist the organisation in addressing any strategic challenges; 
• Be an active contributor in assisting people who are Deaf and hard of Hearing to connect  with and contribute to society in all aspects of their lives. 

Term and Remuneration 

Directors of Expression Australia are appointed for a three (3) year term at the Annual General  Meeting following their appointment. There is a maximum term of three (3) re-appointments, being a cap of nine (9) years.

Director positions are voluntary and there is no remuneration for your time invested in fulfilling the role of Director. Directors can be located anywhere in Australia. Reasonable travel expenses will be covered if required. 

Skills Matrix Needs 

We are looking for up to three (3) new board members who can actively contribute and be part of our growth and to align themselves with our Strategic Plan. We are looking for new board  members who cover at least 3 of the following areas: 

• Deaf and hard of hearing community insight/knowledge (including being a member of  the community); 
• Executive leadership;
• Marketing and sales; 
• Fundraising/philanthropy; 
• Disability and service delivery experience; 
• Human resources, people and culture; 
• Risk, governance and compliance; 
• Aged care;  
• Strategic planning and KPI’s; 
• Finance and accounting; 
• Investment and funds management; 
• Technology and IT systems. 

Applicants are invited from across Australia and are not restricted to Victoria where our head office is  located.