Why choose to volunteer with Red Cross?
You can help improve lives and create a positive impact in your community
Use your skills and experiences to support organisational objectives through your Divisional Advisory Board role
About the Divisional Advisory Board
The Divisional Advisory Board (DAB) must comprise at least seven members and no more than twelve members who are elected governance members of the Society or appointed by the DAB in accordance with the Divisional Regulations. The number of elected members must be greater than the number of appointed members.
The Divisional Regulations provide for the DAB to perform the following roles (summarised below), and consequently each member of the DAB is responsible to ensure that the DAB fulfils these roles:
Advisory role
advise the Divisional Director on Divisional and where appropriate strategic Divisional issues;
respond to any matters referred by the Divisional Director, as required; and
consider issues of significance to the Division and Australian Red Cross.
Governance role
establish advisory committees of the DAB as required;
establish and regulate Branches and Areas within the Division; and
approve or reject applications for membership (oversight, as administrative aspects delegated to Management) and suspend or terminate membership subject to current regulations and delegations.
Promotion role
promote the recruitment of members and volunteers;
make local awards and make recommendations for national awards to the National Awards Committee;
actively promote the work of the Red Cross within the Division;
in consultation with the Divisional Director liaise with community, government and business leaders on behalf of the Division to achieve local strategy plan; and
in accordance with the Rules, appoint a Divisional Patron and a Vice-Patron or Vice-Patrons;
Communication role
act as a communication channel for the views of members and volunteers; andreport to members and volunteers on relevant national and Divisional priorities and activities.
About the role
Key responsibilities
Australian Red Cross strongly values diversity on DABs and seeks people who have strong community, professional, business, or government experience and networks that can be relied upon to support organisational objectives. Australian Red Cross aims to have a broad representation amongst DAB members which mirrors the community in which the Australian Red Cross operates.
Members of the DAB work collaboratively under the direction of the DAB Chair to support the strategic objectives of Australian Red Cross within the Division. The DAB provides advice and support to the Division Director, oversees Branch / Zone or Unit operations in the Division, actively promotes the work of Australian Red Cross and communicates policies, strategy, and other matters within the Division in accordance with the responsibilities delegated to it under the Divisional Regulations (as summarised above).
Specific Skills, Experience and Attributes
Any of the following will be considered favourably:
Relevant lived experience/cultural diversity to support and enhance the work of Australian Red Cross.
Experience with human services and the community sector including service development, delivery, and assessment.
Emergency response and disaster management experience.
Understanding of digital transformation and disruption.
Experience with entrepreneurial and start-up organisations.
Experience with fundraising and the philanthropic sector.
Understanding of issues around migration, international humanitarian law and humanitarian aid.
Stakeholder management skills and experience.
Fund raising skills and experience.
General Skills, Experience and Attributes
Act with integrity, and be capable of undertaking the role diligently, and diplomatically.
Be able to communicate and collaborate well with a range of individuals, stakeholders, and partners.
Be willing and able to engage in member, volunteer, and other public Red Cross activities.
Be willing and able to develop good interpersonal relationships, be resilient and build resilience in others.
Knowledge of volunteer or member-based organisations (including within the Australian Red Cross).
Exercise independent judgement.
Strategic foresight and strategy implementation.
Critical thinking and questioning skills.
High level of Emotional Intelligence.
Collaborative and collegiate.
Cultural awareness and competency.
Understanding of the principles and operation of good governance
Understanding of and commitment to the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
Demonstrated understanding of the needs of the communities served by Australian Red Cross.
Eligibility
To be a member of a DAB (whether as an elected or as an appointed member) a person must:
be over 18 years of age;
not be at any time during the appointment or have been within the period of twelve months prior to appointment an employee of Australian Red Cross;
be of good standing, committed to improving humanitarian outcomes, and have the capacity to meet the expectations of this role;
for elected members:
have been a governance member of Australian Red Cross for a minimum continuous period of six months in the period immediately prior to the date of nomination;
be a governance member within the Division at the date of nomination; and
be nominated by two governance members within the Division who have been governance members for a minimum continuous period of six months as at the date of the nomination.
for appointed members, have relevant skills, experiences, and knowledge that will contribute to the progression of organisational objectives and promote the interests of the Australian Red Cross, as determined by the DAB.
Appointment and term of office
A member of the DAB is elected or appointed for a term of two years and can be re-appointed for three further terms of two years (eight years in total), after which there must be a break of at least one year. This term is extended where the member is appointed as the Chair or the Deputy Chair in accordance with the Divisional Regulations.
This is a non-remunerated role, other than reimbursement of reasonable expenses.
Time commitment
DABs generally meet six times per year.
Some members of the DAB may also be appointed as a representative for the Division at the Council of Australian Red Cross. The Council meets at least annually for approximately three hours and is (amongst other thing as set out in the rule) responsible for appointment of National Board members and receiving annual reports.
In addition to these commitments, DAB members are required to devote sufficient time to establishing an understanding and contextual knowledge of Australian Red Cross operations in the Division and Australia, as well as building relationships with other members of the DAB, Management (particularly the Divisional Director), and any Committees established by the DAB.
The impact
Be part of one of the largest humanitarian organisations and know that the work contributes to improving outcomes for vulnerable people.
Application requirements
For this role you will be required to undertake a National Police Check, which will be organised through Red Cross.
The role will also require you to hold or apply for a Working with Children Check or Working with Vulnerable People Check depending on your State/Territory. Red Cross can assist you to apply for this check.