South West Healthcare - Board Director

South West Healthcare is the largest sub-regional health service in Victoria covering a catchment of approximately 105,000 people across five LGAs and an area of some 23,000 sq kms. With long standing connections to the region, South West Healthcare provides more than 150 services across two acute hospitals, an aged care home, three dedicated mental health and wellbeing facilities, a recovery and prevention facility, and four regional community dental and allied health facilities. The Health Service hospital campuses are located in the townships of Warrnambool and Camperdown in South West Victoria. Further information is available on our website https://southwesthealthcare.com.au/

Public hospitals deliver health, aged care, and community services in rural and regional Victoria that best meet local community needs. They are an integral part of the Victorian health system which promotes and protects Victorians' health and wellbeing.

Public hospitals are independent entities operating under the Health Service Act (Vic) 1988 and are integral to the Victorian health system. The board is accountable to the Minister of the day for the delivery of health care to a high quality, safe and in a cost-effective way.

The Minister for Health is pleased to invite applications for part time board director positions. The positions start on 1 July 2024 and appointments are for a period of up to three years.

These positions provide an exciting opportunity for Victorians to contribute to the health and wellbeing of our communities. Applicants are selected for their capabilities, including personal and professional attributes, experience, knowledge, and skills that contribute to the strategic leadership and oversight of health care for the Victorian community.

Directors are required to attend eight board meetings of approximately 3 hours duration. When scheduled the board meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 4pm. Directors are also required to participate in board subcommittees and be available for other events requiring board representation.

The role of the board includes:

• setting the vision and strategy, in line with government priorities
• having ultimate accountability for the delivery of safe and quality care, including cultural safety and freedom from discrimination, harassment and bullying
• oversight of the performance and delivery of key policy priorities
• ensuring the ongoing financial viability of the organisation
• recruitment, support and monitoring of the Chief Executive Officer

While Victorian public health boards are based on capabilities, boards are more effective when these capabilities also represent the richness of the diverse voices of Victorian communities.

People of all ages, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people of all abilities, people from multicultural diverse backgrounds, people who identify with LGBTIQ+ communities are encouraged to apply.

There are a number of vacancies and all applications will be considered. However, the board are especially interested in candidates with strong qualifications and significant experience in Financial Management and Accounting. Additionally, individuals with demonstrated expertise in areas such as business acumen, communication, stakeholder engagement, asset management or Law will be highly regarded. Moreover, we encourage applicants who are based locally or regionally and possess a deep understanding of South West Healthcare’s role in the region.

Please refer to the Position Description and Board Director Capability Framework for more details at www.health.vic.gov.au/board-applications.

Applicants should read the How to apply document before starting your application which is attached to this job.

The department welcomes the opportunity to discuss reasonable adjustments or support that can be provided throughout the recruitment process and/or post appointment. A discussion can be arranged by contacting healthservicegovernance@health.vic.gov.au.

Applicants applying for a board position for the first time will be required to create an account on the Join a Public Board website prior to applying online. Applicants who have previously applied through the Join a Public Board website will already have an account. If you have forgotten your password, the Join a Public Board website allows you to request this information.

Applications close at Midnight Sunday 19 November 2023.

For all enquiries regarding the appointment process, please contact healthservicegovernance@health.vic.gov.au

For enquiries about South West Healthcare and its board, please contact Gemma Cousins on 5564 4060 or email ceo-office@swh.net.au

South West Healthcare respects all individuals and promote equity and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of all genders, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, racial, cultural and religious backgrounds and socio-economic status.