Are you interested in becoming a Victorian board member?

Expressions of Interest for board roles within the Victorian water sector are closing 8 March 2021 and there are approximately 80 positions available in 2021. If you’re considering taking on a board role, a position in the water sector may be exactly what you are looking for. Here are a few things to consider if you’re thinking about applying.

Benefits of a Board position

A Director role is a paid position, and the amount varies depending on the individual water corporation. But pay aside, there are myriad benefits beyond the remuneration that make it a worthwhile pursuit.
You will develop your leadership skills by learning from others on the board, grow your professional network, improve your profile and corporate image, and learn how other sectors operate beyond your own area of expertise. Almost certainly the major benefit to taking on a Director role, particularly in the water sector is the positive difference it will make within your community – playing a role in the sustainability of the water sector and ensuring that all Victorians continue to enjoy the security of clean, accessible water into the future is reason enough to put yourself forward.

Boards seek diversity

The Victorian water sector is particularly keen to ensure that the company boards reflect the diverse nature of the communities it services. You don’t need to be an expert in water to take on a board role in the sector. The Victorian Government encourages applications from women, people of all ages, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and the LGBTIQ+ community.

Legal obligations

If you’re seeking a Director’s role it’s important you understand what your legal obligations are, as company boards are governed by a range of legislation. The Victorian water sector boards are governed by Water Act 1989, Public Administration Act 2004, and Financial Management Act 1994. There is also a code of conduct that you will need to abide by in your role as a Director.

Your responsibilities

The Board oversees the management of the affairs of the corporation as well as the strategic planning of the corporation. This might include, for example:

• setting performance targets
• monitoring compliance
• formulating policies
• managing conflict of interests
• monitoring delegations and committees, among other duties.

Skills and experience

While you may not have direct water sector experience, the role does require you to bring some relevant transferable skills and experience. For example, experience in the water or other service utility or land and water management, climate change or traditional Aboriginal ecological knowledge would be highly valued. Other areas of skill that are sought after include commercial business experience, finance or economics, corporate governance/law, community engagement, strategy and business management, infrastructure and project management, risk and audit, and science or engineering. The scope is broad, so not having direct experience in the water sector is not a barrier.

Expressions of Interest close at midnight Monday 8 March 2021. To apply online, visit the Get on Board website – getonboard.vic.gov.au (search under vacancies) or for more information email water.governance@delwp.vic.gov.au