The Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health, known as Forensicare, is the state-wide provider of specialist forensic mental health services in Victoria. Forensicare is a statutory body established in 1998, with functions and responsibilities set out in the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 as well as obligations under the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997.
Forensicare delivers a range of forensic mental health services based on a recovery-oriented mental health framework for people living with mental illness. Services are tailored to different stages of recovery and range from assessment, early intervention and prevention, inpatient care, rehabilitation, and community transition support. Forensicare's primary consumers are individuals with a mental illness at risk of, or involved in, the criminal justice system; and individuals who have carried out a criminal offence but who have been found not guilty, or unfit to be tried, under the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997.
The Board is accountable to the Minister for Mental Health.
These positions provide an exciting opportunity for persons with an interest in making a difference in the health sector and have the knowledge and skills for ensuring health care is delivered safely and effectively, with public money used to the benefit of all Victorians.
As a member of the board of Forensicare, you will be doing more than just contributing your time or knowledge. Being appointed to the board places you in a position of trust. You will play an important role in providing leadership, accountability and integrity in the delivery of healthcare across Victoria.
Members are required to attend a board meeting from 1.30pm to 5.00pm on the first Wednesday of each month (except January), participate in board subcommittees and be available for other events requiring board representation. For further details on the board and committee meetings please refer to the document Public Health Services Board Classification for remuneration and meeting times attached to this job.
The role of the board includes:
All applications will be considered for these vacancies; however, the board is also looking for a member with family/carer lived experience—someone who has cared for or supported, or is currently caring for or supporting, a person living with mental illness or experiencing psychological distress.
This experience is essential, as the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 requires the board to include at least one member who identifies with carer lived experience, as outlined below:
Applicants are selected for their capabilities, including personal and professional experience, knowledge, and skills that contribute to the strategic leadership and oversight of healthcare for the Victorian community. It is preferable that applicants reside in Victoria.
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. We encourage First Nations people, people living with a disability, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTIQA+, gender equality, and upholding human rights.
Please refer to the Position Description and Board Director Capability Framework for more details at www.health.vic.gov.au/board-applications.
Please carefully read the How to apply document before starting your application, which is attached to this job. Applications will need to either create their profile (if applying for the first time) or review their profile (if you have applied previously for a public board/committee position) at the start of the online application process.
The department welcomes the opportunity to discuss reasonable adjustments or support that can be provided throughout the recruitment process and/or post appointment. Please contact [email protected] to arrange a discussion.
Applications close at Midnight Sunday 23 November 2025.
For enquiries about Forensicare, please contact Leah Marshall at [email protected].
For general enquiries regarding the appointment process, please contact Stuart Wilson, Senior Project Officer at [email protected].