Governance

Our board is a key link between the organisation and the community we serve. The nine members of the board are drawn from and elected by our individual and organisational members – the community and sector in which we work.

Governance means focussing on the organisation's overall purpose, including setting strategic directions, providing leadership in areas such as financial accountability and community needs, and establishing board policies. The board appoints and provides support, supervision and resources to the CEO, and monitors Women's Health West's progress towards our stated goals and fulfilment of our vision and aims.

Our board's main aim is to ensure that Women's Health West is responsive, accessible, accountable and effective. The board is the legal authority of Women's Health West. Its responsibility is governance, rather than management on a day-to-day level – which is delegated to the staff of the organisation through the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

EXPECTATIONS OF BOARD MEMBERS

Board members are elected for a two-year term, and may serve for up to three consecutive terms. Board members are expected to:

have a commitment to Women's Health West's vision, values and direction
be familiar with the organisation's affairs and those of the sector more broadly
make every effort to attend all of the monthly board meetings (quorum is five)
be willing to serve on one or more board standing committees (eg Finance Committee)

The board appoints a Chair, Deputy Chair and Treasurer, who hold office for one year and may be re-appointed.

WHO CAN NOMINATE FOR THE BOARD?

Board members are elected from the membership of Women's Health West. The board needs women with a range of skills and backgrounds, including in areas such as finance, leadership, policy, planning, community development, access and equity. Potential board members also bring a sense of community and exhibit an understanding of the many and varied life experiences and needs of women in the West. To nominate or vote for the board you must be a current member or join by 30 June. The deadline for nominations is 28 days prior to the AGM.

GET INVOLVED

If you are not a member of Women's Health West, we encourage you to join. You receive a free regular newsletter , an annual report you can vote at our AGM, and you strengthen Women's Health West's voice on important community issues. The statement of purposes is taken from the Women's Health West Constitution and outlines board responsibilities in more detail. If you think you may be interested in nominating for our board, please contact our CEO on 9689 9588 or via email.