Organisation : South-East Monash Legal Service
Location : Melbourne (Springvale)
Time required : 1 hour meetings every six weeks
Duration of project : 2 years
Sector : Law, Justice & Human Rights
Application closing date : 18 Oct, 2023
About the role
South-East Monash Legal Service (SMLS) is looking for experienced board members with a focus on skills including strategic management and policy or, a connection to our community.
Board Context
The SMLS Board is made up of a multidisciplinary team of individuals from across academia, government, social services and law. The Board participates in robust and nuanced discussions surrounding the strategic direction, as well as contributing to the overall best practice governance of the organisation.
Commitment
This is a voluntary position. The Board meets on a 6 weekly basis for approximately 1.5 hours, usually via MS Teams, with 2 onsite meetings per calendar year. Ideally you will be able to commit for 2 years. Previous board experience and a working understanding of not-for-profit governance highly desirable. Demonstrated commitment to social justice and human rights.
About the organisation
About SMLS
Established in 1973, Springvale Monash Legal Service (SMLS) is a community legal centre that provides free legal assistance to people in south east Melbourne. SMLS provides legal information, advice and case work including representation for people experiencing disadvantage on a range of legal matters, such as family law and family violence, employment law, debt and fines, civil litigation, wills, power of attorney, and tenancy.
Now celebrating 50 years of service, SMLS has established itself as a highly regarded human rights organisation. SMLS engages in advocacy to strengthen and/or challenge the individual experience of the just system through our law reform and policy. This has been informed by the expertise that comes with servicing no less than 78,000 clients, and a dynamic, socially justice minded workforce.
We are proud of our great relationships we have with our trusted partners. SMLS’ iconic partnership with Monash University sees an average of 100 law students completing their professional practice or externship each year. This is a partnership that spans 50 years and reflects our commitment to training and mentoring practitioners of the future.
Building on our flagship youth integrated community development program, Sporting Change in 2020 we formally introduced an integrated services model to include social workers and financial counsellors – now a core part of our service delivery. The same year, we changed our name from Springvale Monash Legal Service to South-East Monash Legal Service, which better reflected our growing client base and reach following the opening of a second office in Narre Warren. As of 2023, SMLS has 17 access points across the south-east region of Melbourne.
How to apply
Applications not allowed for this volunteering opportunity.
Please quote in application: Board Members via Pro Bono Australia.
