Express an Interest

Targeting:

We're seeking new Board members to fill current vacancies and as part of our succession planning.

One of the roles is Secretary who is responsible for putting together the meeting agenda with the Chairperson and recording the minutes for each meeting. 

Key skills we are seeking include: risk and governance | legal | community development |property and building knowledge including facilities management or procurement. 

Even if your skills and expertise are in other areas, if you are passionate about community work and ready to contribute to the strategic direction of a neighbourhood house, we invite you to apply. Governance training and mentoring can be provided. 

ABOUT CREEDS FARM

Creeds Farm works with communities in Melbourne’s high growth suburbs of Epping North and Wollert in the City of Whittlesea. We provide opportunities for people to build community connections, for life-long learning, skills development, information sharing, social and recreational activities and community development.

We are a charity and an Incorporated Association in Victoria and receive funding from State, Federal and Local governments, other charities and businesses. We employ staff, supervise volunteers, provide community programs and we own the building and land where Creeds Farm is situated. We are part of local, regional and state neighbourhood house networks. We are in a stable financial position with a focus on increasing revenue.

This is a great time to join our Board. Creeds Farm reopened in September 2022 - having been closed with the pandemic and building repairs - and we have been delighted to see our local community flowing in.  A new manager started in February 2023 and the number and variety of programs and activities with a focus on community-led design has grown, with more than 100 people participating each week. Our vision is to be a sustainability and wellbeing hub for our growing community. 

OUR VALUES

• Connection. We connect with each other and connect people to opportunities, support, learning and community.
• Empowerment. We enable community participation and support self-awareness and people taking action to meet their needs.
• Diversity. We celebrate people’s strengths, skills and potential, learn from each other and promote inclusiveness.
• Welcoming. We are positive, kind and bring goodwill and good humour to all we do.

WHAT’S INVOLVED?

The Board ensures Creeds Farm fulfils its purpose, operates well as a neighbourhood house, remains solvent and complies with all legal, financial and ethical obligations. Board members ensure sound governance and clear strategic direction for Creeds Farm.

In accepting the position, Board members undertake to provide sound governance and effective leadership to the organisation by ensuring that the organisation has:

• Clear strategic directions and achievable plans in line with its purpose and values.
• Adequate resources to carry out its work.
• Competent personnel.
• An effective policy framework to guide its work, implement its plans and meet its obligations.
• Adequate internal controls to ensure sound financial management, risk management and legal compliance.
• Adequate internal accountability mechanisms to ensure compliance with policies and procedures and to monitor organisational performance.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

• Ability to work cooperatively with good communication skills and sound judgement. 
• Ability to ensure appropriate record keeping including setting agendas, taking minutes and monitoring actions. 
• Experience or interest in the operation or governance of community organisations or incorporated associations. Prior experience on a Board or regular provision of reports to a Board well regarded. 

YOUR COMMITTMENT 

The Board of Governance meets every six weeks on a Thursday evening at 6.30pm online.

In keeping with Creeds Farm’s commitment to sustainability, we are a paperless Board. We use Microsoft SharePoint for Board and governance documents. 

The Secretary is responsible for putting together the meeting agenda with the Chairperson and recording the minutes for each meeting. 

We expect Board members to demonstrate their commitment to the organisation by attending all meetings and actively participate on at least one sub-committee or working group. Members may also be requested to formally represent the organisation by participating in consultation processes or attending meetings with politicians or government officers.  

BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING WITH US

• Contribute to the local community.
• Work with a passionate and dedicated Board.
• A practical experience in governing a small not-for-profit organisation.
• A great addition to your resume.

If you’d like to know more, please call Christina, Creeds Farm Chairperson on 0402 295 167.

Duty Statement: https://creedsfarm.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Creeds-Farm-Secretary-and-Board-Members-PD.pdf