Position Overview

• Vacro is an innovative, socially progressive provider of specialist criminal justice reintegration services.
• We are recruiting new volunteer Directors to join our Board.
• In this role, you can contribute to improving the criminal justice system and making a significant impact on the lives of people in contact with system, and their families.
• A significant proportion of our program participants are First Nations men and women, therefore we have a strong focus on recruiting one or more First Nations members to our Board in this round.
• The Board meets six times a year, with approximately half of all meetings taking place online (with out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed).
• First Nations people and people with lived experience of the criminal justice system are encouraged to apply.

About Vacro

Vacro is an independent, non-profit organisation working with people and their families who are in contact with the criminal justice system. We are a highly specialised organisation that has been at the forefront of innovative practice in Victoria’s criminal justice reintegration system for 150 years. We provide community and family reintegration services, and training employment support that enables people to create new beginnings for themselves and their families.

Vacro is a company limited by guarantee. It is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and has deductible gift recipient (DGR) status.

The Opportunity

Vacro’s three-year organisational strategy (2023-2026) projects considerable growth over this period. We have a stable funding base, strong core services and a series of ambitious new programs coming online. Beyond service delivery, Vacro also has:

• A three-year policy and advocacy strategy that leverages our expertise and experience to pursue systemic change.
• A Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (finalised) and Reconciliation Action Plan (in development), both of which identify the need for the recruitment of First Nations board positions.

Board members are appointed for three-year terms, with a maximum of three terms (however this maximum can be extended by the Board).

As a Board member, you will:

• Participate in the governance of Vacro, in compliance with its constitution, rules and policies.
• Oversee Vacro’s Strategic Plan and other consequential arrangements.
• Attend and contribute to Board meetings.
• Promote Vacro in the community as opportunities arise.
• Serve on one or more of the Board’s subcommittees (Finance and Risk Management, Strategic Planning, Nominations).

Key Selection Criteria

The Board is currently looking for the following key skills:

• Governance expertise.
• Experience working in or alongside the government, community and/or fundraising sectors.
• Experience working in or alongside First Nations communities.
• Expert knowledge of the criminal justice sector.

The successful candidates must not be a disqualified person as specified in Part 2D.6 of the Corporations Act 2001 and will need to procure a director identification number (director ID), as required by the Act.

Diversity and Inclusion

Vacro is committed to ensuring that diversity and inclusion are at the core of our organisation and the way we work. We believe that our team members are our greatest asset. By supporting diversity, inclusion and respect, we create a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to bring their full selves to work.

We value the expertise of people from a wide range of backgrounds. Because of the work we do, we especially value the expertise of First Nations people, people with lived experience of the criminal justice system, people of diverse sexualities and gender identities. We welcome applications from a wide range of candidates, including people with a criminal record. (We do not discriminate based on a person’s criminal record, however in some circumstances, contractual or legislative obligations may limit a person’s eligibility for certain roles. We are happy to have a confidential discussion about how these requirements may affect a candidate).

How to Apply

Please direct your application to [email protected]. Please address the key selection criteria in this advertisement and include a current resume. You can find the Position Description here.

For queries, please contact Vacro Board Member David Stanley ([email protected]), Vacro CEO Marius Smith ([email protected]), or Vacro Diversity & Inclusion Advisor Janis Constable ([email protected]).