National Board Member

Role:                          Board Member

Length of term:          Up to three years (with eligibility to be re-appointed for two further three-year terms)

Remuneration:           Non-remunerated volunteer role, other than reimbursement of reasonable expenses

Location:                    Flexible, within Australia

Building an inclusive, diverse and active humanitarian movement based on voluntary service

About Australian Red Cross

Australian Red Cross exists to support people in their most difficult moments. With 110 years’ experience and a nationwide community of 16,000+ members and volunteers, we act locally and connect globally to deliver what’s needed, when it’s needed most. 

From emergency support, critical blood donations, migration services and community resilience, to international capacity building and promoting respect for the laws of war, we continue to stand beside and treat every human with dignity.

We belong to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and together with 191 other National Societies in countries around the world, we are part of the world’s largest humanitarian network; 16 million volunteers working alongside our staff to help those impacted by crisis, disaster and conflict.

Board Member: Role and Responsibilities

The role is one of eight to 10 Board Members, who together form the Board of Australian Red Cross Society (Board).  The Role of the Board is set out in our Rules and is to:

• ensure the Society carries out its objects set out in Rule 2 [Society’s objects];
• govern the activities of the Society, which includes:
  • reviewing and approving strategies to guide, monitor and control the activities of the Society;
  • determining and overseeing the financial and human resources available to achieve the strategy;
  • monitoring the performance of the Society;
  • overseeing processes and controls in place to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; and
  • overseeing the processes and controls to manage risk and support informed decision-making; and
• otherwise exercise the powers and comply with the duties set out in Rule 13.7 [Powers and duties of the Board] or as otherwise provided for in the Rules.

The role requires Board Members to:

• Attend approximately seven half day Board meetings per year (unless otherwise determined by the Board) and associated preparation time.
• Serve on at least one Board committee, which includes at least quarterly three-hour meetings (unless otherwise determined by the Committee) and associated preparation time.
• Participate in domestic and international travel (as required).

Board Chair: Role and Responsibilities (in addition to Board Member Role and Responsibilities)

The Board Chair is appointed by the Board from amongst the Board Members, taking into account considering the recommendation of the Elections and Appointments Panel, and following the process set out in the Governance Regulations.

The responsibilities of the Board Chair include:

• Leading the Board and ensuring it is operating to the highest governance standards; and
• Acting as the primary liaison point between the Board and the CEO (Secretary-General) and the management team of the Society, between meetings of the Board.

Deputy Board Chair: Role and Responsibilities (in addition to Board Member Role and Responsibilities)

The Board may elect a Board Member with leadership capabilities to act as the Deputy Board Chair in accordance with the Rules and Governance Regulations. The Deputy Board Chair’s primary role is to support the Board Chair, and to act as Board Chair during any absence or unavailability of the Board Chair.

Organisational culture and code of conduct

As a Board Member, you are expected to be a leader of positive culture for Australian Red Cross. This includes:

• Setting, promoting and monitoring the tone of Australian Red Cross’ culture.
• Fostering a culture of open communication, trust, and respect.
• Being guided by the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement:
  Humanity | Impartiality | Neutrality | Independence | Voluntary Service | Unity | Universality

See redcross.org.au/about/our-code/ for more details on Australian Red Cross’ Code of Conduct.

Personal attributes

• Integrity: fulfil duties and responsibilities of a Board Member/director including acting ethically, appropriate independence, putting Australian Red Cross’ interests before personal interests.
• Collaborative yet curious and courageous: be able to function as an effective team member but also must have the curiosity to ask questions and the courage to persist in robust discussions with management and fellow Board Members where necessary.
• Emotional intelligence: as well as self-awareness and self-management, be able to demonstrate empathy manifested through strong interpersonal skills. Be able to listen and communicate effectively.
• Commercial judgement and instinct: demonstrate good business instinct and acumen and be able to assimilate and synthesise complex information.
• Meaningful engagement: actively contribute with genuine interest in Australian Red Cross and its operations.

Role requirements

• Have completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ Company Directors Course or equivalent (desirable).
• Be, or become, a member of Australian Red Cross. You can join as a member here: redcross.org.au/membership/

Under the Rules:

• • Reserved Board Members must (at the time of nomination) have been a member of Australian Red Cross for at least 12 months;
  • There is no requirement for other Board Members to be a Member of Australain Red Cross prior to appointment, but they must become a Member at the time of appointment to the Board

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Undertake a National Criminal History Check, which Red Cross will organise and pay for
• Hold, or be able to obtain, a Working with Children/Vulnerable People Check in your home state/territory, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, and South Australia.
• Not be disqualified from being a responsible entity under the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 (Cth) or disqualified from managing a corporation under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
• Not be banned or restricted from being involved in providing aged care or specific activities as an aged care worker or governing person of an approved provider.
• Not be an undischarged bankrupt.
• Except as allowed in the Rules, not be employed by Australian Red Cross or Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.
• Undertake Australian Red Cross’ governance induction and other ongoing learning and development opportunities (as required by the Board of Australian Red Cross).