Overview
Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW Ltd (trading as One Door Mental Health) Board is currently seeking two Board members committed to improving the lives of those affected by mental illness. We are seeking to increase women on our Board and so we would prioritise suitable women applications.
The governance and stewardship of the organisation is vested in a skilled Board with a passion and commitment to ensure that the vision, mission, values and strategic plan are translated into action.
One Door has been through an immense period of change with the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the cessation of block funding. One Door is developing their next Strategic Plan and as part of our building, is seeking new Directors to continue to build our Board and organisation.
Our Vision
One Door Mental Health’s vision is a society in which people with mental illness are valued and treated as equals.
Who are we?
One Door is the trading name, adopted in 2016, for the Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW. The organisation has been operating since 1986 when it was set up by a unique partnership of consumers, carers and mental health professionals. This partnership continues.
Through One Door Mental Health, people living with mental illness and their families can find an inclusive community, strong advocacy and innovative services. Creating a world in which people with mental illness are valued and treated as equals is at the heart of everything we do.
At the core of One Door’s programs and services are people living with mental illness, their carers, families and friends. Over our history and continuing today, the organisation has been known for working with people that other services do not. We provide a range of recovery-oriented, person-centred services, including carer services, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) services, and clinical services. One Door is uniquely placed to provide these supports, with over 74% of our staff identifying as having a lived experience of mental illness, either themselves or as a carer.
Our community creates a safe place that connects people. Our services are supported by best practice and years of experience making us NDIS mental health specialists. Our advocacy work is putting an end to stigma, making the voice of mental health stronger every day.
Advocacy
We know and understand how challenging it can be to overcome the barriers that prevent people from getting the help they need.
Breaking down these barriers only happens with strong and sustained advocacy. One Door is leading change towards the creation of more services, better systems and the breakdown of stigma. One Door regularly advocates to governments, empowers individuals to tell their story, runs education programs and creates opportunities for everyone to have a seat at the decision-making table.
Services
One Door Mental Health is a leading mental health service provider specialising in severe and persistent mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis, schizoaffective disorder, and borderline personality disorder. It provides a wide range of services for both carers and consumers with a severe mental illness and advocates on their behalf.
One Door offers a wide range of reliable, high-quality care that puts our clients and their family first:
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Access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
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Individualised support.
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Carer Services – advocacy, education, respite and support
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Centre-based services
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Support groups
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Health Care including psychologists, dietitians and exercise physiologists
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Physical health programs
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Education and training
Composition of the Board
Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW Ltd is a NSW based Board, currently comprising of 7 members. Board members are appointed based on their skills, experience and expertise that will be complement the Board to effectively achieve its goals.
As part of our Constitution, the Board composition needs to made up with a majority of those people who have, of have had, a mental illness or those who are caring for, or have been a carer for people with a mental illness.
Role of the Board
The role of the Board is to govern One Door Mental Health in such a way that it can pursue its purpose successfully.
The Board is responsible for a range of functions, including but not limited to:
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Establishes the directions and strategic policies of the Fellowship;
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Appoints the Chief Executive Officer of SFNSW (One Door Mental Health) and decides delegations to the CEO;
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Ensures that good governance is undertaken;
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Receives reports from the various Fellowship services;
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Ensures that financial controls are in place and prudent financial decisions taken;
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Conducts a Strategic Planning Cycle
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Represents SFNSW in public forums and media
One sub-committee of the Board is the Audit and Risk Committee which provides information that will assist the Board and the CEO in the discharge of their respective responsibilities specifically relating to exercising due care, diligence and skill regarding all aspects of financial and non-financial reporting, internal control, audit functions, legislative compliance and organisational risk, through the provision of advice and monitoring.
Time Commitment
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The Board typically meets every eight weeks.
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The Audit and Risk Committee meets once a month.This does not involve all of the Board members.
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The Board meets in Gladesville but options are available for meetings to attend via video conference or teleconference.
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Appointees are expected to attend at least 75 per cent of Board meetings.
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If applicants are appointed to other Boards, they are expected to manage their time appropriately.
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Applicants should give careful consideration to any existing and anticipated demands on their time.
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Board members may be expected to participate in one or more of the Board’s committees, which include: Audit and Risk Committee.
Term of the Appointment
Successful applicants will be appointed for an initial term of three years (unless otherwise determined by the Board). According to the Constitution, tenure must not exceed ten years in total.
Renumeration
Voluntary (travel expenses are reimbursed)
Criteria
Applicants will be shortlisted on the basis on their skills, experience, knowledge or networks in relation to the following three key selection criteria (one or more of the following is required):
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Mental health or NGO policy planning & delivery including the development of relevant policies and practices for optimum service delivery.Knowledge and practice in NDIS would be desirable.
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Financial Performance including qualifications and experience in accounting and/or finance and the ability to:
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Consumer Advocacy including a personal experience of mental illness and the ability to utilise that experience for the benefit of other sufferers and advocacy in the sector.
Desired Skills for all Board Members:
In addition to the specific skills outlined above, skills or experience in the following areas would be considered favourably:
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Ability to read and interpret financial reports at a senior management level
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Ability to contribute to strategy through experience at a senior management level
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Previous experience on Boards or senior management reporting to a Board (beneficial but not essential)
Personal qualities for all Board Members
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A lived experience of mental illness or caring, or have been a carer of people with a mental illness (desirable)
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Personal and professional integrity.
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High-level interpersonal and influencing skills, including the ability to work within a team.
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Sound independent judgement.
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Ability to apply critical and creative thinking.
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Genuine interest in mental health and the ability to utilise that experience for the benefit of other sufferers and organisational operations.
Our Current Board Members
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Anthony Harris (Chair)
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Peter Ferguson
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Bob Goldie
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Jenny Smith
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Bernie Mullin
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Sonja Schweizer
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Raj Mendes
https://www.onedoor.org.au/about/board-and-leadership
How to apply
If you would like to discuss this opportunity, please contact Anthony Harris on 0408 963 166.
You are invited to submit an application by sending the following documents to Louise Beardwell at louise.beardwell@onedoor.org.au on or before 9 July 2020.
Please note, to be considered, the key selection criteria must be addressed.