The ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy Service (ADACAS) is a company limited by guarantee, and was established in 1991. Since then, it has provided free and independent advocacy for people with a disability, people experiencing mental ill-health, older people, and carers. It is predominantly funded by the ACT, NSW and Commonwealth Governments.

ADACAS is highly regarded across the sector, is in a strong financial position and has been under a sustained period of growth. This is an exciting opportunity for a new Chair to lead the organisation going forward, with an experienced and well-established Board and CEO in place and a new three-year Strategic Plan agreed in early 2024.

ADACAS delivers independent, individual advocacy in the ACT and has expanded its reach to regional NSW, including the Capital Region, Murrumbidgee, Illawarra and Shoalhaven local health districts. The organisation is also funded to support people who want to access the Redress Scheme, established to compensate people who experienced child sexual abuse in institutional settings.

ADACAS delivers its aged care advocacy as the ACT member organisation of the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN). It is also a leader in the emerging field of Supported Decision Making (SDM) for people with reduced cognitive capacity. ADACAS provides guidance and training to mainstream businesses interested in employing people with disability through our Employer Confidence Program.

The ADACAS Board currently has 8 Directors. Meetings are held outside business hours in the ADACAS office every second month. The Board has two sub-committees: Governance; and Finance, Audit and Risk, which the Chair may attend as ex-officio. There is also an opportunity for the Chair to be a Director on the OPAN Board as the ADACAS nominee, however this function may be delegated to another ADACAS Director.

The Role of the ADACAS Board Chair

ADACAS seeks to recruit for the expected vacancy of the Board Chair.

This is an opportunity for a leader who is passionate about the human rights of people with disability, older persons, and their carers. The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

• Demonstrated success as a Board Chair or Director, ideally in the NFP sector with a sound understanding of contemporary governance and leadership
• Professional experience with leadership accomplishments in business, government, philanthropy, or the NFP sector
• Strategic thinking, sound judgment, and excellent written and oral communication skills
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and support for human rights
• The ability to promote diversity and a collaborative and effective culture, and develop productive working relationships with Directors and management
• The ability to deal with difficult issues and conflict, and good interpersonal skills

We welcome applications from community members who believe they can provide leadership to ADACAS and guide our future success. As ADACAS is an independent advocacy organisation, and to avoid any real or potential conflict of interest, applicants must not be employed by, or associated with (paid or unpaid) any disability or aged care provider.

Service on ADACAS’ Board of Directors is without remuneration, except for reimbursement of direct administrative support, travel, and accommodation costs in relation to Board Members’ duties. Financial support is also available for professional development activities.

Further information about ADACAS is available from the website (www.adacas.org.au) and from the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission (www.acnc.gov.au).

The current Chair is also available to discuss any queries from potential applicants, via the Acting CEO.

A selection committee will assess applications and seek to interview shortlisted candidates. Ideally the approval of the new Chair would occur at the ADACAS AGM, scheduled for November 2024.

Inquiries should be addressed to the Acting CEO of ADACAS, Alison Kennedy [email protected] using the subject line: Board Chair enquiry via EthicalJobs T: 6242 5060.