Express an Interest

Targeting:

Colac Otway Disability Accommodation Inc (CODA) is a not for profit community service organisation delivering supported independent living, short term accommodation and individualised support in the Colac district to people with an intellectual, sensory or physical disability or acquired brain injury.

Our Vision -

An inclusive community in which all people have the opportunity to fulfil their unique potential.

Our Mission -

CODA Inc. is committed to providing our clients with a range of quality, community based support programs which are flexible, accessible, affordable and safe while promoting each persons independence and value as a member of the community.

Our Values -

All organisations have a culture which is built on the shared values of its people.  These values guide us in all our decisions and are fundamental to compliance with CODA's code of conduct.

Our Commitment -

People with a disability are at the centre of how we define the quality of our service. The way we develop, deliver and improve our service and supports should start with each person, revolve around the person, and conclude with the person.

Role of the Board

The CODA Inc. Board acts on behalf of the membership and the community, and is accountable
for the overall direction, management and corporate governance of the organisation.
The Board is responsible for:
· setting the strategic direction of the organisation;
· overseeing the organisation, including its control and accountability systems;
· recruiting and appointing senior executive appointments, organisational changes and
senior management remuneration policies and practices;
· approving succession plans for the management team;
· monitoring senior management’s performance and implementation of strategy, and
ensuring appropriate resources are available;
· recruiting and supporting new board members as required;
· reporting to the membership and ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met;
· reviewing and ratifying systems of risk management and internal compliance and
control, codes of conduct, and legal compliance to ensure appropriate compliance
frameworks and controls are in place;
· approving and monitoring the progress of major capital expenditure, capital
management, and acquisitions and divestitures;
· approving and monitoring financial and other reporting;
· approving and fostering an appropriate corporate culture matched to the organisation’s
values and strategies;
· adopting a philosophy and strategy of continuous quality improvement in governance
performance; and
· taking into account the interests of all stakeholders.

Role of Individual Board Members

All CODA Inc. Board Members must ensure that they:
· are aware of their responsibilities under the relevant incorporating legislation and
regulatory frameworks;
· act in all instances with due care, honesty and integrity;
· avoid any conflict, or perceived conflict, of interest by declaring any likely conflicts and
withdrawing from any discussion or decisions where this may an issue;
· do not gain in a personal way from being a Board member,
· do not divulge any confidential information outside of the appropriate forum; and
· make informed decisions.
CODA Inc. Board Members are expected to:
· attend and participate in Board meetings and meetings of sub-committees on which
they serve;
· spend the time needed, and meet as frequently as necessary, to properly discharge their
responsibilities;
· review minutes and other meeting materials prior to Board meetings;
· understand how the organisation works, including the organisation’s services and
programs;
· be active in planning for the future direction of the organisation;
· actively and positively promote the organisation to the community;
· attend organisation functions and represent the organisation externally where required;
· cast their vote on any resolution in accordance with their own judgment;
· keep confidential Board information, discussions, deliberations, and decisions which are
not publicly known; and
· participate in Board development activities and planning days to ensure compliance with
legal and service delivery requirements.

The board is seeking to recruit up to 4 general board members.  Eligibility as an office bearer (Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer) is available after 1 year as a general board member.

Previous board experience is not essential however governance training is preferred if there is no prior board experience.

Experience in the disability community is desirable but not essential.  Empathy for people with intellectual disabilities is a requirement.

Board meetings are held monthly February to December at 6pm on the first Wednesday at the CODA office in Colac and can be attended in person or via Zoom.  The organisation has accommodated Zoom meetings since 2020 and expressions of interest from all Australia for remote attendance are welcome.  Meetings generally run from 1-2 hours and require up to 1 hour of pre-reading.

For further information please contact board Chair Karen Brady on 0432 900 602 or to submit an application please email Karen Brady at coda@coda.org.au and include:

1. Your contact details (mobile phone and email) 
2. A short biography/curriculum vitae summarising your background, current and past roles/appointments, relevant qualifications, skills, competencies and/or relevant experience.
3. Why you wish to be considered for appointment as a board member.
4. The names and contact details of two referees who can speak to your specific skills, professional or lived experience and your suitability to be appointed as a board member.