Non Executive Director/Board Member

About Our Organisation

Stepping Out Program (Stepping Out) is an independent, non-profit community organisation committed to social justice. The organisation works with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. It works with both individuals and those with children. It provides these services through an Alliance arrangement that is funded by the New South Wales (NSW) Family and Community Services.

Stepping Out provides support, advocacy, case management, counselling through partnerships, tenancy support, education and training through a therapeutic service model.

Stepping Out is changing and growing through its Alliance arrangements with other like-minded organisations in the not for profit sector.  This is a great opportunity to be part of Stepping Out’s expansion and development.

Summary of Position
The key responsibilities of the Board are to set the direction for the organisation, to monitor its performance and to maintain control of the organisation, ensuring that it stays on track according to agreed priorities and planned activities.

Duties:

• Attend meetings as required.
• Actively participate and contribute constructively to the productivity and outcomes of meetings. 
• Declare any personal interest that might conflict with the interests of the organisation or your duty as a Board member.
• Act in accordance with the Code of Conduct.
• Keep informed about the organisation’s business.
• Act as a spokesperson for the organisation when requested by the Board. 
• Be a member and/or chair of sub-committees/working groups as required.
• Sign letters or documents on behalf of the Company as required.
• Exercise delegation of authority and expenditure as determined by the Board.

Along with other members of the Board:

• Provide a clear and viable direction for the organisation, agree on priorities and oversee the development of an organisational plan. 
• Oversee the development of an annual budget.
• Ensure the solvency and financial viability of the organisation.
• Establish clear expectations for the performance of all Board members, staff and volunteers.
• Make informed decisions on key issues.
• Establish accountability and reporting processes for Board members and staff.
• Ensure that appropriate systems are in place for recruitment and the performance appraisal and management of staff.
• Monitor the implementation of plans, budgets, policies and decisions and be able to recognise and take action when these are not implemented in an agreed way.
• Ensure sound risk management is in place by establishing and monitoring a risk management plan, including appropriate insurance cover.
• Ensure compliance by the organisation with legislation, contracts and any other legal obligations.
• Ensure the organisation meets the requirements specified in its Constitution and Corporations Law.
• Ensure that the policies and procedures as set down in Employer and Employee Manuals are followed.
• Oversee the signing of contracts. 
• Monitor the performance of the Board. 
• Monitor the performance of the organisation and take action to ensure the organisation performs to its capacity and meets its contractual obligations.
• Ensure that the Board is sustainable over time and that succession is well planned.
• Address any conflicts of interest within the Board and across the organisation.
• Ensure that membership and community support is maintained.

Selection Criteria

Do you have a passion for assisting vulnerable people in the community to reach their full potential, live life to the fullest and have the capacity to take advantage of all that life can offer them?

Our Board is seeking people interested in supporting the valuable work our organisation does to assist adult survivors of trauma including childhood sexual abuse, domestic and family violence and PTSD.

Ideally, we are seeking people with marketing and fundraising, social media, advertising or communication skills to compliment the current skillset on our Board and support the implementation of our Strategic Plan. However, anyone with previous Board experience and a passion for the community sector are strongly encouraged to apply.

Essential Criteria

To be a suitable candidate to join the Stepping Out Board, you need to:

• Demonstrate a willingness to be actively involved in supporting the growth of the organisation
• A “can do”, “pitch in” approach to supporting the community
• A commitment to and understanding of good governance plus the ability to engage in strategy development;
• The ability to read and analyse financial reports;
• A prior commitment to or interest in community health/mental health or homelessness services in the not for profit sector;
• Good leadership and communication skills.

Commitment Required

The Board currently meets monthly on an agreed evening during the week. If required, short, out of session meetings are held via tele-conference once a month.

Board members will be required to read relevant papers in preparation for meetings and may be required to join a Sub-Committee. A commitment of up to 10 – 12 hours per month is anticipated. The position is unpaid.

Duration of project: Ongoing. Minimum Commitment preferred is 2 years.

Website

www.steppingout.org.au

How To Apply

The SOP Board seeks suitably qualified applicants who have the time and ability to professionally volunteer. If you would like to join our Board, please send an email outlining your skills and experience, why you would like to join the Board and attaching a copy of your CV to Lorraine Baldacchino at Lorraine.a.baldacchino@gmail.com. If you would like to discuss this opportunity further please contact Lorraine on 0416 247 729.