Express an Interest

Targeting:
Females, People with Disabilities

Make a difference by joining the Board of a unique, values-based organisation.

Established in Melbourne’s inner west in 1980, Westgate Health Cooperative is Victoria’s only health cooperative. Owned by its members and governed by a committed volunteer Board, the Co-op is guided by its mission to provide quality, accessible and affordable health care. The Co-op’s services are delivered by a dedicated team of general practitioners, nurses and management and administrative staff. 

The Co-op is currently entering an exciting phase, and is considering new plans for its financial and operational future. To complement our current Board we are now seeking new members, with a focus on applicants who have experience in accounting and financial management.

While all candidates will be considered, we have a preference for those who can help us broaden the perspectives represented on our board. 

This is your opportunity to contribute to the Co-op’s ongoing development while applying and enhancing your skills in a meaningful way.

Role overview 

The role requires participation at our AGM and in 11 face-to-face board meetings annually, membership of a board sub-committee and availability to address issues as required.  Time commitment varies, but typically amounts to a minimum of 6 hours per month including meetings.

You will draw on your extensive professional and personal experience and skills to provide measurable value and benefit to the Co-Op and the Board through strategic, organisational and/or relevant technical skills, experience, knowledge, contacts and networks.

Responsibilities

Resources and Financial Management: Ensure the Co-Op's finances are effectively managed, and the organisation and staff have appropriate resources to function effectively and provide quality health services

Cultural: Drive the Co-op’s vision, mission, values, guiding principles and philosophy

Strategic: Provide strategic leadership and governance of the Co-op in partnership with the Practice and Business Manager

Policy and Decision Making: Assist in strategic and organisational governance decisions and directives within the Co-Op’s governance principles, policies and procedures

Compliance: Ensure the Co-Op operates within its stated mandate, Constitution, governance principles, Co-operatives law and other relevant laws

Monitoring and Review: Monitor at a high level the Co-op and Board's performance, with a view to ensuring the Co-Op provides quality health services for its members

Reporting: Report as required to the Board Chair, Co-Op members, external stakeholders and legal and associated entities

Selection Criteria

The Co-Op is seeking new board members with specific professional experience and skills in accounting and financial management

You will preferably also have relevant experience and skills in the following:

Experience on a public, private or community Board of Directors 

Understanding of a board Director’s role and responsibilities, including legal, ethical, fiduciary and financial responsibilities, and the ability to act on this understanding accordingly

Values aligned to the philosophy of the Co-op

Experience in the not-for-profit sector, and/or working with community or membership organisations 

Ability to contribute to the effective decision making of the board and to take into account diverse views and opinions

Ability to operate in an objective, logical and strategic manner

Experience in organisational and business management, including in employment and human resources, strategic vision, stakeholder communication, risk management