ABOUT YOUR ORGANISATION

Southside Justice is a place-based community legal centre offering free legal support to people on low incomes living in Melbourne’s inner-south and statewide for sex workers.

Founded in 1973, Southside Justice (formerly St Kilda Legal Service) was built on the principle that everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of their financial means.

Today, Southside Justice exists to increase access to legal support, promote fairness and advocate for social justice.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for people with any one or more of these skill sets:

• Local Expertise: A well-connected and passionate local resident, business owner, or someone with a deep connection to the inner-south community.
• Fundraising / Philanthropy: Experience in developing and implementing fundraising strategies, engaging with supporters, strong understanding of or connection with philanthropy.
• Financial Management: Experience in financial planning, budgeting and reporting, management of financial risk and compliance.
• Human Resources: Experience in HR management, employee relations, policy development, training and development with a large focus on wellbeing.

BOARD COMMITMENTS

All Board members are required to:

• Bring a strong commitment to the mission of Southside Justice in the access to justice space
• Have knowledge and skills in one or more areas of: legal assistance sector experience, organisational strategy, governance, fundraising, risk management, legal, finance, organisational management, human resources/people and culture, communications, monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL).
• Be willing and able to oversee governance & strategy matters
• Be available for Board duties, including:
  • Bi-monthly evening Board meetings (6 x face to face meetings in St Kilda from 6:30pm)
  • 2 hours pre-reading for each board meeting
  • Ability to serve on at least one committee as required (current subcommittees include: finance and risk), and
  • Attend Southside Justice and other events or meetings as required.
• Be aware of and abstain from any conflict of interest.

Governance experience and qualifications are highly regarded but not essential.

Members serve on the Board on a voluntary and unpaid basis. Applicants who can commit to serving a minimum of 3 years on the Board will be looked on favourably.

For further information or a confidential discussion, please contact Brendan Lacota (Secretary) on 0419 001 495.

A position description is attached.