Express an Interest

Targeting:

The Good Life Farm is seeking up to 3 new directors to join our Board.

Based in Chum Creek in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, Good Life Farm provides therapeutic, social and life-skills programs for young people. Activities with animals, nature and the farm help young people build confidence, resilience, practical skills and a stronger sense of belonging.

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We are particularly looking for people with experience in:

• Finance, audit and risk: a CA, CPA, CFO, auditor or senior finance professional who is willing to become Treasurer
• Major philanthropy and partnerships: someone who has developed major donors, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, bequests or strong philanthropic and government relationships
• Legal services: a qualified lawyer or legal practitioner with corporate or non-profit expertise
• Community service management: a senior youth, disability, child-safety, education, health or community-services professional. Experience with the Victorian Child Safe Standards or NDIS governance would be valuable.

Applicants are not expected to cover all three areas.

We also welcome experience in workplace safety, emergency management, farm or property management, animal welfare, law, program evaluation, Aboriginal cultural governance or lived experience of youth services.

Directors should bring integrity, sound judgement, strategic thinking and a strong commitment to the safety and wellbeing of young people.

These are voluntary positions based in Chum Creek, with hybrid meeting arrangements. Previous Board experience is helpful but not essential.

To apply, send your résumé and a short expression of interest explaining why you want to join Good Life Farm and what you would bring to the Board.

For a confidential discussion, contact Bronwyn Pitman on 0432 620 919 or admin@goodlifefarm.org

Position description: Non-Executive Director

Position: Voluntary Non-Executive Director

Location: Chum Creek, Victoria, with hybrid meeting arrangements

Term: 18 months, with option to extend

Time commitment: 2.5 hours per fortnight including preparation, meetings, training and occasional events or farm visits

Remuneration: Voluntary, with approved expenses reimbursed

About Good Life Farm

Good Life Farm is a Victorian charity that provides therapeutic, social and life-skills programs for young people.

Through supported activities with animals, nature and the farm, we help young people build confidence, resilience, relationships, practical skills and a stronger sense of belonging.

Our vision is a world in which young people feel safe and supported to reconnect with community.

About the role

Directors are jointly responsible for governing Good Life Farm. The Board sets the organisation’s direction, oversees its performance and risks and makes sure that its services are safe, effective, culturally safe and financially sustainable.

Directors are also required to participate in at least one sub-committee, delivering action on key organisational priorities.

We are specifically looking for directors with expertise in one or more of these areas:

1. Finance, audit and risk, with willingness to become Treasurer
2. Major philanthropy and strategic partnerships
3. Legal services
4. Community service management

Key accountabilities

• Act honestly and in the best interests of Good Life Farm
• Prepare for and attend Board and committee meetings
• Help set and monitor Good Life Farm’s strategy
• Review budgets, financial reports, cash flow and risks
• Oversee organisational performance and service quality
• Ask questions and bring independent judgement to decisions
• Complete director induction and regular child-safety training
• Act as an ambassador for Good Life Farm when appropriate

Eligibility

Board members must comply with the Good Life Farm governing documents and all legal duties under the ACNC Act.

To be successful, Directors must demonstrate:

• a strong commitment to the safety and wellbeing of young people
• understanding of how boards operate, whether through direct experience or qualifications such as those offered by the Australian Institute of Company Directors
• a willingness to contribute professional skills and experience
• integrity, sound judgement and respect for confidentiality
• enough financial knowledge to understand Board financial reports
• the ability to think about long-term needs and consequences
• confidence to ask questions and respectfully challenge ideas
• commitment to equity, inclusion and cultural safety
• enough time to prepare for and take an active part in the role.

Candidates must also have experience or qualifications in at least one of the following:

• business ownership or management of a community organisation
• accounts, finance, business management or insurance
• quality control, risk mitigation and regulatory compliance
• human resource management
• law
• clinical governance, social work or community welfare
• fundraising, sponsorship or corporate partnerships
• communications, advocacy or journalism.

Successful applicants subject to Criminal Records Checks and Board members also undertake a Working with Children Check and a search of the Banned and Disqualified person on the ASIC Register.

Previous board experience is helpful but not essential. Lived experience is highly desirable. A relevant network and genuine passion for continued relationship-building across sectors is also highly desirable.

Screening

Before appointment, successful candidates must:

• be eligible to serve as a director and an ACNC Responsible Person;
• disclose any relevant interests or conflicts;
• complete referee and identity checks;
• complete any required police, Working with Children or other screening; and
• agree to follow Good Life Farm’s policies and Code of Conduct.

Duty Statement: Australia