National Disability Services (NDS) is Australia's peak body for disability service organisations. Representing 1,000 members across Australia, we are Australia’s biggest and most diverse network of disability service providers. Our valued members collectively operate several thousand services for more than 300,000 Australians with disability and employ a workforce of more than 100,000 people.

NDS has a strong and influential presence in every state and territory across Australia. Our core functions are to advocate to government for sector-wide changes and improvements, to inform our members about issues that impact them, and to provide resources and services that assist them to deliver sustainable high quality support services for people with disability.

NDS employees have the passion to make a difference, are driven to deliver the highest quality support and services to our members and thrive in an environment of positive change and continuous improvement.

To find out more about NDS, please visit our website.

About the Role:

• Fixed-term for one year with potential for reappointment. 
• Flexible location - can be based anywhere in Australia. 
• Five Board half day meetings per year (bi-monthly).  Three are held face to face at an NDS office location. Annual two day strategy meeting and attendance at annual Executive Leaders Conferences (two days). Plus any Governance Committee meetings.  
• Voluntary position.

National Disability Services (NDS) is governed by a national Board which includes the elected chair from each state and territory and representatives elected directly by members. The NDS Board comprises of 13 elected members and up to three appointed Directors, ensuring a mix of industry, governance and leadership skills.

The Board has determined that two non-executive Directors are to be appointed who identify as living with disability as per the NDS Disability Inclusion and Access Plan 2024-28. At least one of these Directors must have financial qualifications such as a CPA/CA. The positions contribute to the board’s responsibility to guide NDS’s strategic direction, ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards, and represent the interests of its membership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Governance and Leadership
• Strategic Planning
• Financial Oversight
• Risk Management
• Compliance and Legal Obligations
• Advocacy and Representation
• Board Development
• Other Responsibilities

Skills & Experience:

1. Identifying as a person living with disability.
2. Leadership experience at the executive or board level.
3. Financial qualifications such as CPA/CA is highly desired.
4. An understanding of for-purpose organisational governance requirements.
5. Commitment to delivering NDS mission, values and organisational integrity.
6. Inclusive communication and interpersonal skills to actively participate and enable participation from others in strategic decision-making.
7. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island background would be desirable. 

Application Process:

This Expression of Interest is for the appointment of two Directors and the development of a merit list for other and future opportunities at NDS including Board, advisory or employee roles.  

Please contact Katrina Hawkins, Head of People & Culture at [email protected] using the subject line: Non Executive Board Directors x2 (Voluntary) - Flexible location enquiry via EthicalJobs or 02 9256 3104 for the full Candidate Pack.  

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and value diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We encourage all applicants, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, LGBTIQ and culturally diverse communities to join NDS.  

NDS is committed to supporting equal employment opportunities for individuals with disability and will provide reasonable workplace adjustments.   

NDS also provides adjustments throughout the recruitment process. If you identify as a person with disability and require adjustments to the application, recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, please contact Katrina Hawkins, Head of People & Culture at [email protected] or 02 9256 3104 and indicate your preferred method of communication (email or phone).

Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your Skills & Experience in the areas listed above by clicking on the Apply Now button.