The National Mental Health Consumer Alliance (NMHCA) is the national peak body advocating for the rights of people with lived experience of mental health challenges. We are looking for an independent contractor to support our organisation as a Company Secretary.

Key responsibilities

• Providing governance guidance and advice to the Board, sub-committees and CEO on corporate governance matters
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations and NMHCA’s constitution (ACNC, ASIC)
• Advising on directors' duties, conflicts of interest and other governance-related matters
• Collating and distribution of Board and committee meeting agendas, papers and minutes (supported by the CEO)
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date company records, registers and filings
• Taking accurate Board and governance committee minutes
• Coordinating meeting schedules for board/committee meetings
• Assisting with the development and implementation of governance policies and procedures

Attributes we're looking for

• It is a genuine occupational qualification of this position to have a consumer lived experience of mental health/social and emotional wellbeing issues and recovery, with firsthand experience navigating the mental health system.
• Experience as a Company Secretary, ideally within a small to medium not-for-profit
• Strong understanding of corporate governance, relevant company law and regulatory requirements
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with stakeholders at all levels
• Proven ability to work independently and proactively, with a keen eye for detail
• A professional company secretarial qualification (or working towards this) would be highly regarded
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

About the Organisation

The National Mental Health Consumer Alliance (the Alliance) is a dynamic, interactive national Peak body that leads the way in systemic advocacy informed by the diversity of consumer experience and consumer perspectives. It is a Company Limited by Guarantee, and a registered charity with the ACNC.

The Alliance promotes inclusivity and diverse representation by prioritising research, engagement, policy and advocacy initiatives that draw on the lived expertise of underrepresented groups, including First Nations people, culturally diverse, gender diverse, LGBTQIA+ communities, younger people, and people living in rural and remote communities.

Location

We will accept applications from anywhere in Australia. We hold two one-day board meetings each year in person and so the ability to travel to those meetings (generally held on the East Coast) would be necessary, with NMHCA covering reasonable travel costs. All other board and committee meetings are held online.

Time required

We estimate the role will require 2 days per month. We hold board meetings bi-monthly, and committee meetings on alternate months. Therefore, there will be a total of approximately 12 meetings per year in addition to the AGM.

APPLICATIONS

We will be assessing applications as they are made, so please don't delay in sending yours!

A position description is attached.