IDRS is seeking to appoint new board members.

The Intellectual Disability Rights Service (IDRS) is a not-for-profit organisation supporting and advocating for people with disability when they come into contact with the criminal justice system and in other contexts. We are headquartered in Sydney but work in locations throughout NSW. Highly respected by our clients and funders alike, we have been in operation for over thirty years.

IDRS provides help with legal issues, supports people at police stations and courts. We advocate to appeal decisions of the National Disability Insurance Agency; provide rights education for people with cognitive impairment; offer peer support and advocacy for parents with intellectual disability at risk of losing the care of their children. We work alongside people with disability to promote and protect rights. Our website provides more information about our background and purpose, as well as our annual reports and other relevant material.

About the role

IDRS is looking for Board members with one or more of a specific range of skills and attributes.

IDRS aims to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are represented at all levels of the organisation, including the Board. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

The IDRS Board has members with intellectual disability. People with disability are encouraged to apply.

Ideally, we are seeking people who have a mix of some the following skills, attributes and ambitions. They are not listed in any specific order of importance:

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic guidance and leadership in line with IDRS’s mission and vision.
• Attend bi-monthly board meetings and actively participate in discussions and decision-making processes.
• Participate in at least one Board sub-committee.
• Contribute specialised skills, knowledge, and networks to enhance IDRS’s impact.
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation, promoting its mission and values.
• Collaborate with fellow Board members to ensure effective governance and oversight.

Qualifications

Demonstrated leadership in one or more of the following:

• Commitment to progressing the interests and rights of people with disability
• Current or prior work history as a practicing lawyer or policy executive
• Experience in the executive management or governance of a disability or not for profit organisation with familiarity of working with government
• Experience in communications, public relations and media management
• Experiencing in fundraising or securing non-government investment
• Strong corporate governance skills

The Board currently meets on a hybrid basis every two months in the evening. The IDRS Board operates on a voluntary basis, with IDRS work related expenses reimbursed.

If you would like to apply, please send your expression of interest and your current resume, marked confidential, via the "Apply Now" button.

Prospective members are being shortlisted on receipt of EOIs, so please apply as soon as possible.

For further information or for a confidential conversation please call IDRS's CEO Joanne Yates, on 0493 892 965.