Board Director

Board Director – Expression of Interest
About the Opportunity
The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW (SVDP NSW) is seeking expressions of interest from an experienced, values-driven Board Director who can bring new perspectives, strong governance capability and relevant skills, together with a commitment to our mission of supporting people experiencing disadvantage and strengthening communities.
We are seeking to fill a Board vacancy arising at the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM). Shortlisted candidates may also be considered for other governance opportunities with the Society as they arise.
We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas:
Financial management and accountingCorporate governance and risk managementStrategic and inclusive leadershipOrganisational resilience, innovation, transformation and agilityPractice or clinical governance, service research, evaluation and redesign
We also seek to maintain diversity across age, gender, culture, geography and lived and professional experience. We particularly welcome applications from:
People of all ages, including young peopleWomen, consistent with the Board Charter's objective of at least 40% female DirectorsFirst Nations peoplePeople with lived experience relevant to our services, including homelessness, disability, domestic or family violence, and overcoming alcohol and/or other drug issues
About Vinnies NSW
The Society of St Vincent de Paul NSW is a lay Catholic, member and volunteer-based organisation that has supported people experiencing disadvantage in NSW for more than 140 years.
Founded by Frederic Ozanam in France in 1833, the Society was established in NSW in 1881 and now has approximately 4,400 members across more than 400 communities.
The Society is governed by the NSW State Council, comprising Central Council Presidents and Vice Presidents with specific portfolio responsibilities. The State Council also acts as the Body Corporate, holding land and property in trust for the Society's work.
In 2013, the State Council established the Company St Vincent de Paul Society NSW and transferred its business operations to the Company to support the Society's mission.SVDP NSW is now a large and diverse organisation, including:
Members, volunteers and employees providing food, financial assistance, energy assistance, budget counselling, school supplies, furniture, clothing, bedding and other essential items to people experiencing disadvantageMore than 100 local services and programs addressing issues including homelessness, domestic and family violence, and alcohol and other drug useMore than 220 Vinnies shops and six distribution centres across NSWCommercial enterprises including Return and Earn depots, Bag O' Rags and the Vinnies Used Cooking Oil Recycling ProgramFundraising through appeals, events, corporate partnerships, major donors, bequests and community fundraising
Board Composition
The Board of Directors comprises:
The State Council PresidentTwo to three Central Council PresidentsTwo to five other Directors
Company Members appoint the Directors and appoint one Director as Chair of the Board.
Role of the Board
The Board's obligations and powers are governed by the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 (Cth), the Company's Constitution and general law.
The Board is responsible for:
Providing strategic oversight and ensuring activities align with the Society's mission and the Company's objectsMonitoring strategic direction and operational and financial performanceOverseeing risk and compliance, including risk appetite and appropriate controlsRecommending the appointment or removal of the CEO, subject to Company Member approval, and evaluating CEO performanceAppointing and, where appropriate, removing the Company SecretaryEnsuring effective corporate governance and compliance with relevant legislation, the Constitution and good practice
Director Expectations
Directors are individually responsible for ensuring the Board fulfils its role. They are expected to:
Review Board and committee papers and attend meetingsParticipate actively in Board discussions and decisionsComplete Board inductionEvaluate Company performanceServe on committees and undertake special tasks where appropriateKeep up to date with developments relevant to the Society's servicesAttend appropriate Society, staff and stakeholder eventsAct as ambassadors for the SocietyUndertake ongoing professional and personal development
The Board typically meets six times per year, principally in Sydney, with an annual risk and strategy planning day.
The expected commitment is approximately two days per month, including preparation time, excluding travel.
All Board roles are voluntary. Reasonable expenses associated with Board duties will be met by the Company.
How to Apply
For further information, or access to the full Position Description, contact Rhiannon Cook, Company Secretary at companysecretary@vinnies.org.au or 0432 250 830.
To nominate for the position, please provide:
A Statement of Interest of no more than two pages, explaining why you are interested in the position and the skills and attributes you would contribute to the BoardA copy of your CV
Applications will be reviewed by a committee established by the Board. The committee will recommend candidates to the Board, which will then make a recommendation to the Company Members.
Applications close Tuesday 8 September at 11:59pm. Late applications cannot be accepted.