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Targeting:
People with Disabilities, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander, English as an additional language or dialect, LGBTQI, But all EOIs are welcome

Through the Unexpected is a registered health promotion charity that works to improve the psychosocial outcomes of parents who receive a fetal diagnosis.  

Some expectant mothers, fathers and other parents are given unexpected news about the health, development or genetics of their unborn baby. Their baby may have an increased chance of a condition, or there might be something unexpected about the way the baby has grown. These differences and conditions are sometimes called fetal anomalies, abnormalities or birth defects. 

Receiving unexpected news about a baby can be deeply distressing and traumatic. For some families, the hardest part is receiving the news, as their image of their future family, hopes, and expectations are suddenly thrown into question. For others, it is the uncertainty, the decisions faced, or the gaps in care that feel challenging or overwhelming. At times, it is the judgments and assumptions of others that cause the greatest harm. 

In Australia, families have access to high-quality medical care, but attention to the psychosocial side of care often falls behind. Families may find themselves well supported with medical information, but we know that families need more than information – they need support to understand what it means and to navigate the emotional, social, moral and practical complexities that come with this information. 

An increased-chance finding or prenatal diagnosis is not the end of the story – it is the beginning of a journey through the unexpected. 

How we improve psychosocial outcomes 

We are a small, volunteer-run organisation that aims to achieve big things. 

We recently launched our learning and networking platform, including the first Australian microcredential program on the psychosocial aspects of prenatal diagnosis. Our website includes resources for parents and links to help people find the support they need. We advocate for systems-wide improvement through submissions and involvement in guideline development and research. We have already seen change happening... 

But, we want to do so much more.  

The opportunity 

With two Directors retiring soon, we are seeking new Directors to join Through the Unexpected at an exciting point in our growth. You’ll join a Board of passionate Directors – including several Founding Directors – who bring diverse professional and personal expertise to our shared mission. 

You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the work of the organisation by the end of 2025, before contributing to rich strategic discussions in early 2026, when we come together for an in-person Board workshop to develop Through the Unexpected’s new Theory of Change. 

We’re looking for people who bring fresh insights, curiosity, and commitment to improving psychosocial outcomes for families navigating unexpected prenatal and perinatal journeys.  

While we aim to achieve big, our Board is open to small ideas and creates space for different perspectives.  

We welcome all EOIs, but are particularly interested in hearing from those who: 

• have expertise in financial reporting or governance, 

• are interested in taking on the role of Secretary, 

• have experience in building and supporting networks of volunteers, 

• bring lived or living expertise that enhances the diversity of our Board, including diversity of background, language, culture, and disability, or
• bring experience of working in a clinical role related to prenatal screening and diagnosis. 

The commitment 

As a membership-based public company limited by guarantee, Directors must be members of Through the Unexpected. Information about membership (free) is available here. The Board meets every two months, on the third Wednesday (7-8:30 pm AEDT). We expect Directors to have the capacity to commit to 4 hours per month, which includes meetings, meeting preparation, out-of-meeting decisions, and may include additional high-level support for projects. You will have the opportunity to lead projects of interest and be a key driver of our mission.  

See our Board Directors and Officer-Bearers Policy and Procedures for information about Directors' obligations and responsibilities.  

Appointment 

To be considered for appointment to the Board of Through the Unexpected, please provide an expression of interest and your CV.  

A panel of three Directors, including the Chair and Executive Director will review these and respond. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet with us to discuss their interest and suitability for joining the Board.  

Before your appointment, you are also required to obtain a Director ID and complete probity checks, in alignment with our recruitment, onboarding and offboarding policy. Probity checks include a national police check, a Working with Children Check, and a search of the ASIC Register of Banned or Disqualified Persons and the ACNC Disqualified Persons Register by the Secretary. 

In appointing appointed or additional Directors, the Board will have regard to the Board Skills Matrix and the current and future needs of the organisation.   

If our mission resonates with you and you’re passionate about creating meaningful impact through small, values-driven charities, we’d be delighted to hear from you.