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Targeting:
People with Disabilities, Seniors/Retired People, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander, English as an additional language or dialect, LGBTQI

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: Seeking a new Chair

Our wonderful Chair needed to step back - so we are looking for an experienced Chair to fill her shoes. You’ll join a Board of passionate Directors – including several Founding Directors – who bring diverse professional and personal expertise to our shared mission.   

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

We seek someone with experience in governance, ideally experience in a Chair position - or someone who feels comfortable to step into such role. You need not bring expertise related to prenatal screening or diagnosis, but must align with the organisational values.

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. We anticipate the Chair will require an additional 2 hours per month, totaling 6 hours. 

You will have the opportunity to lead projects of interest and be a key driver of our mission. You will come on board at the time when we are growing, with a view to engage the first employee when ready. 

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 complete this online form and attach your CV. 

A panel of three Directors, including the interim 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.   

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.