Mental Health Carers NSW is looking for an Ordinary Board Member

As the peak body, MHCN works with and for mental health carers in NSW. We represent the voices and lived experience of carers which help us to advocate systemically for mental health reform.

We are currently recruiting a new volunteer to fill a vacancy for an Ordinary Board member on MHCN’s managing Board.

MHCN is looking for someone to help it advocate to government and the community to develop a mental health system that works for the families and carers of people who live with serious and persistent mental health concerns, and their loved ones; the consumers of mental health services.

MHCN is an inclusive organisation but the general experience which we are interested in recruiting to the Board includes:

• Lived experience of supporting people with mental health concerns to use NSW mental health services, and/or
• Professional experience in other relevant mental health or carer support programs or services.

Specific experience which we are interested in recruiting to the Board includes:

• Professional experience working in the NSW Health Family Carer Mental Health Program (FCMHP), and/or
• Legal expertise in mental health or community managed organisation governance relevant areas.

*While these are our preferred criteria, if you have ever been on a community board before, or have thought about volunteering on one and these areas are of interest to you, please feel free to get in touch. *

Expectations

If you are selected as a Board member you will be required to:

• Be familiar with and observe the Constitution, the Board Governance policies and other relevant MHCN policies and documents.
• Observe the standards of ethical behaviour set out in the Code of Conduct.
• Disclose conflicts of interest in line with the Governance policies.
• Attend at least 75% of meetings and come to meetings having read the papers.
• Exercise competence and diligence in the understanding and oversight of organisational management and the preparation of the annual audited financial report that is to be disclosed to the public.
• Contribute actively to Board discussions and consideration of decisions, and to commit time to Board work outside of meetings when needed.
• Promote a culture of clear and positive communication, and monitor key culture indicators such as psychological safety, inclusion, belonging, wellbeing and diversity.
• Be a team player, work in a collegial way and stand behind decisions of the Board once they are made.
• Participate in organisational policy reviews and complete agreed tasks and commitments.
• Advise if no longer able to contribute to the level required.

Term and Election

An appointed member of the Board may be selected at any time subject to concurrent membership of the organisation. You may join the organisation on our website

The term of an appointed Board member ends at the next AGM after their appointment. However, appointed Board members will be encouraged to stand for election at that AGM, and if successful, would serve a two-year term in line with other elected members.

Recruitment Process

To apply for this role, please submit the following to Alex Brown by email at MHCNadmin@mentalhealthcarersnsw.org:

1. Cover letter stating why you are interested in the role,
2. Resume, and
3. Board Member application form available on request by email at MHCNadmin@mentalhealthcarersnsw.org.

The closing date for applications will be COB, Friday, 5 July 2024.

Late applications will not be considered.

All applications will be acknowledged that they have been received by email.

**MHCN will endeavour to recruit members to the Board that reflect the diversity of the services provided and the community it serves. **

**Full criminal record checks and effective referee and previous employment checks are required for all Board members. **

More information including a copy of the Recruitment Kit containing the Position Description, details on the Selection Process, the Annual Report and a history of the organisation is available on request. For any other questions, please contact Alex Brown at MHCNadmin@mentalhealthcarersnsw.org or by phone on 02 9332 0777.