Board Member – Detour House Inc
Including Appointment to the Finance Subcommittee
Type:
Volunteer Governance Role
Location:
Sydney NSW – Inner West (hybrid attendance available)
Commitment
:
Approximately 6–8 meetings per year (Board), plus 4–6 meetings per year (Finance Subcommittee), with additional preparation time.
About Detour House Inc
Detour House Inc is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting women and girls by providing trauma-informed safe spaces and personalised programs aimed at preventing homelessness. Our work spans three core services:
* Detour House:
A residential alcohol and other drug treatment program (3-months) for women (18+).
* Detour House Transitional:
Ongoing support and stable, affordable housing for women who have completed the 3-month program.
* The Girls Refuge:
Crisis accommodation and support for young people aged 13 to 17 at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
We are committed to delivering safe, high-quality services grounded in evidence, compassion, and dignity. Our Board plays a critical role in ensuring the organisation's mission is upheld, our governance is strong, and our long-term sustainability is secured.
Detour House welcomes Board candidates who reflect the cultural diversity of our clients and community. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people, women, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Role Purpose
The Board Member will contribute to the strategic governance, risk oversight, and financial sustainability of Detour House Inc. As a member of the
Finance Subcommittee
, you will provide additional depth in financial stewardship, compliance, and organisational risk management.
This role is ideal for someone with strong financial acumen, governance experience, and a commitment to improving outcomes for women and young people facing complex disadvantage.
Key Responsibilities
Governance & Strategy
* Contribute to the overall strategic direction and long-term sustainability of
Detour House Inc
.
* Ensure governance practices align with contemporary NFP standards, legal obligations, and organisational values.
* Monitor performance against strategic goals and provide oversight of quality, safety
,
and compliance frameworks.
Financial Stewardship (Finance Committee)
* Review and provide advice on annual budgets, financial reports, audits, and management accounts.
* Support oversight of financial controls, processes, risk management, and compliance obligations.
* Monitor cash flow, financial sustainability, and investment decisions.
* Provide governance-level scrutiny of funding, contracts, and financial risk.
Risk, Quality & Compliance
* Ensure organisational policies, procedures, and systems support safe, high-quality service delivery.
* Oversee risk management frameworks, including clinical risk, organisational risk, WHS
,
and safeguarding risks.
* Ensure that Detour House meets all legislative, regulatory, and contractual compliance requirements.
Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement
* Act as an ambassador for Detour House, strengthening relationships across community services, government, and philanthropy.
* Support the CEO in maintaining a positive organisational reputation and community presence.
Board Contribution
* Attend and actively participate in scheduled Board and Finance Committee meetings.
* Prepare thoroughly for meetings by reviewing papers and reports.
* Maintain confidentiality, integrity, and a commitment to trauma-informed, feminist and youth-centred service principles.
Essential Criteria
Experience or qualifications in one or more of the following:
* Finance, accounting, or audit
* Business management or governance
* Legal, risk management, or compliance
* Community services, youth services, housing, or AOD sectors
* Strong financial literacy and ability to interpret budgets, financial statements, and risk reports.
* Demonstrated understanding of governance responsibilities in an NFP or similar environment.
* Ability to identify risks, weigh strategic considerations, and contribute to organisational decision-making.
* Commitment to social justice, trauma-informed practice, and improving outcomes for vulnerable women and girls.
* High standards of ethics, accountability, and professional conduct.
Desirable
* Prior experience on a board or governance committee.
* Experience with third-party accreditation systems (e.g., Australian Service Excellence Standards).
* Knowledge of government funding systems, community housing, or specialist homelessness services.
* Familiarity with outcomes measurement, data analysis, or impact reporting.
* CPA/CA qualification or senior financial management experience (highly regarded by the Finance Subcommittee).
Compliance Requirements
* Clear Working with Children and National Criminal History Record checks or willingness to obtain.
* A Director Identification Number or willingness to obtain.
Please provide a CV & Cover Letter.
For enquiries please contact Kyle Westgarth -