About Us

Headstart ABI Services Ltd has a proud history over the past 38 years, stemming from the recognition of an unmet need of individuals with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) when following formalised rehabilitation there was little support to meet people’s long term needs of increasing day to day independence and confidence.

Headstart ABI Services is a NFP company limited by guarantee (CLG) and a Public Benevolent institution (PBI). Headstart supports people with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) to maximise their opportunities to become more independent in everyday life.

Headstart aims to ensure that each of our consumers will have a tailored approach which addresses their unique requirements. Headstart is a registered panel provider for NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) and icare.

• Our Vision: For people living with brain injury to have opportunities that strengthen and enrich their lives
• Our Purpose: To make a difference in the lives of people touched by brain injury by providing opportunities and inspiring hope
• Our Values: People first, Adaptable, Bold and Innovative, Ethics above All, Fairness, Sensitive to need.

Supports include community access, living skills, in home support, personal care, attendant care, social and recreational options and involvement in a facilitated team of community educators. Supports are flexible and geared to the needs and goals of each person as they progress through life.

We are calling for expressions of interest for general members who would like to join our Board. This is a volunteer unpaid position. We are looking for individuals with skills including:

• An understanding of Acquired Brain Injury & the impact on the person & their family (essential)
• Prior or current Board membership or experience ( essential)
• Asset management/Investment Strategy
• Human Resource management
• Community liaison, education and training
• Marketing and Fundraising
• Financial management
• Legal and clinical governance

Appointment process and selection criteria

• A selection panel assesses applications received against the criteria listed below and a “meet and greet” opportunity with members of the Board is provided
• The panel makes a recommendation to the full Board of Management
• The appointment of board members is based on a review of individual contributions to the development of the organisation and an assessment of a good combination of individuals to provide a complimentary mix for a NFP board.

Applications will be assessed according to the extent to which they meet the following criteria:

• Prior or current board membership
• Demonstrated interest, experience and/or skills to a high standard
• Demonstrated ability to participate cooperatively in a team..
• Capacity to think and act strategically
• Integrity and individual standing in the community

The Headstart ABI Services Board of Management:

• Meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at the Headstart Office in Hamilton in person or via zoom.
• Meetings start at 3:00pm, duration generally 2 hours.
• Each member receives a Board pack, 4 days in advance.
• Members are expected to complete all pre-reading prior to the meeting. Preparations for the meeting usually takes around 1-2 hours a month

Conditions of appointment:

• Board members cannot be currently involved with another disability service provider.
• The term of appointment for members is normally two years.
• Membership will lapse, unless exceptional circumstances exist, if a member fails to attend 3 consecutive meetings.
• A member may resign from the Board at any time upon giving notice in writing to the Chairperson.
• You will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement.
• We do require a NDIS Worker Screening Check, a Working with Children Check, and your Director’s ID.
• Board Directors are not paid, however reimbursement for travel/or other expenses is provided.
• You have a sense of humour and would enjoy contributing to the development of our organisation