Chief People Officer
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine
Fixed Term, Full-Time
Melbourne, Victoria
Close Date: May 27, 2025 00:00 AEST
* Statutory Authority supporting the justice system
* Strategic people function amid commencement of new legislation
* Champion an agenda of modernisation and augmented governance
The Position
The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) is stepping in to a dynamic new stage of its organisational evolution. A new VIFM Act will take effect on 1 July 2025 which will enable a new governing Board and will support modernisation, including in the areas of people and culture. The newly created position of Chief People Officer (CPO) will play an integral role in supporting the VIFM, as the new VIFM Act 2024 comes into effect, in shaping the future of the organisation through strategic people leadership.
The CPO will report to the Chief Operating Officer and in collaboration with the Director of the Institute will provide strategic leadership in the areas of people management, cultural leadership and IR. A key element of the role initially will be to support the transfer of employment powers from the Secretary, Department of Justice and Community Safety to the VIFM Board. Another key element of the role will be to commence the modernisation processes for the people and culture functions.
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned HR practitioner who has operated at a senior level within the public sector. Known for being able to understand highly contextualised dynamics and navigate them effectively, the appointee will be recognised as having excellent judgement and a strong ability to work amid ambiguity. Equipped with exceptional written and verbal communication skills they will be adept at taking people through change processes. A record of building high performing HR teams, strategic workforce planning and organisational design will be considered advantageous.
The Organisation
The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) serves the community and the courts by providing the justice system with independent forensic pathology, medical and scientific expertise which underpins safe convictions and appropriate acquittals. The VIFM is a statutory agency within the Justice Portfolio of the Victorian Government. Our doctors and scientists investigate deaths reported to the Coroner, examine alleged offenders and medically assess, treat and support victims of crime. Our services are provided alongside teaching and research, working together to safeguard our evidence in court.
The VIFM also houses and operates the Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria (DTBV). supports patients and their families by providing human tissues to medical specialists and Victorian hospitals for transplantation and medical research.
In September 2024 the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Act 2024 was enacted. This new Act strengthens our governance arrangements, promotes improved engagement with our stakeholders, and embeds training and research as core VIFM functions.
To apply - click 'Apply Now', using reference VIFcpo0425, addressing your cover letter and resume to Deborah Komesaroff or Alice Silver of Future Leadership, or call 1300 347 437 for further information.
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