Call for Expressions of Interest: Association/Student Member appointments to National Board Committees
Call for Expressions of Interest: Association/Student Members appointments to National Board Committees
The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is seeking expressions of interest from suitably interested and/or qualified Association members to serve on one or more Board Committees. Having undergone a comprehensive review of their respective Terms of Reference, the AASW Board is seeking to make appointments to its four Committees, being the:
- Finance, Audit, Compliance and Risk Committee;
- People and Culture Committee;
- Professional Regulation Committee; and the
- Social Work Advancement Committee
The Board Committees’ Terms of Reference are all available for perusal at the links below:
- Finance, Audit, Compliance and Risk Committee Terms of Reference
- People and Culture Committee Terms of Reference
- Professional Regulations Committee Terms of Reference
- Social Work Advancement Committee Terms of Reference
Broadening Board Committee membership through drawing on the skills and expertise readily available in the Association’s membership base supports effective governance by bringing external perspectives and constructive challenge to the Board’s oversight work.
In addition, the Board also seeks expressions of interest from student members of the AASW to enable a more diverse range of stakeholder inputs into the corporate governance environment while providing valuable opportunities for the development of in-demand skills and applied experiences for those seeking to become future professional members of the AASW and the social work community. The Board also considers this to be a highly valuable opportunity to engage, involve and build positive working relationships with its membership base while also bolstering transparency as the Association implements its Blueprint for Change.
About the Committee membership opportunity
The Board is inviting applications from Association members who can contribute expertise, sound judgement and a commitment to the organisation’s purpose. Appointments may be made to existing or future Board Committees, including committees with responsibility for areas such as audit and risk, finance, governance, nominations, people and culture, quality, ethics, compliance, or sector-specific oversight. Each Committee will seek to appoint up to two Association members and one student member – each for a one-year term which may be extended at the discretion of the Board. While Association (full-fee paying) members may serve on more than one Committee concurrently, student members are only eligible to sit on one Committee at any given time.
The Association members and student member appointees’ role is to assist the relevant Board Committee(s) in considering matters within its terms of reference and to provide advice and recommendations to the Board through the Committee Chair.
Role of AASW Board Committee members
- prepare for and participate actively in Committee meetings;
- apply relevant professional expertise and independent judgement to committee deliberations;
- support robust oversight of governance, risk, compliance, financial, strategic or operational matters that fall within their respective committee’s remit;
- ask constructive questions and contribute to evidence-based decision-making;
- act ethically, maintain confidentiality and manage actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest; and
- work respectfully and collegially with Directors, Committee members, management and other stakeholders.
Skills and experience sought
- governance, board or committee practice;
- audit, finance, accounting, investment or financial sustainability;
- risk management, internal controls, assurance or compliance;
- legal, regulatory, ethics or integrity frameworks;
- strategy, organisational performance or transformation;
- people, culture, remuneration, workplace relations or capability development;
- technology, cyber security, data governance or digital transformation;
- stakeholder engagement, member services, public policy or advocacy; or sector-specific experience relevant to the organisation’s purpose, services or operating environment.
These are not mandatory as the Board Committees may seek to appoint independent expert members with discrete technical skills and experience to support their work in the future. At this time, Association members and student members who can demonstrate a compelling interest in the work of Board Committees, strong judgement, integrity and relevant technical capability are welcome to apply.
Independence and eligibility
To perform Committee functions in support of Association governance, appointees must be able to exercise independent skill and judgement. To be considered independent, applicants must be free from any relationship, interest or position that could materially influence, or reasonably be perceived to influence, their ability to exercise independent judgement in the role.
Applicants will be asked to disclose any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest as part of the application and appointment process.
Applicants must be willing to comply with the Association’s Constitution, By-laws, policies, Committee Terms of Reference, Code of Conduct, confidentiality requirements and any probity or background checking requirements determined by the Board.
Time commitment and term
Committee meeting frequency will vary depending on the Committee. As a guide, committees may meet approximately six times per year, with additional preparation time required before each meeting. Meetings will typically be held online, in person or by hybrid arrangement. Appointments are expected to be for an initial term of one year, with any reappointment subject to Board approval.
Association member and student member appointees to Board Committees may be paid an honorarium in recognition of their service. Details of any fees, reimbursement of reasonable expenses and other appointment conditions will be confirmed with shortlisted candidates.
How to apply
- a brief cover letter outlining the applicant’s interest, relevant skills and preferred committee areas;
- a current curriculum vitae or professional biography;
- a short statement addressing the skills and experience sought above;
- details of any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest; and
- the names and contact details of two referees, if requested.
Applications are to be submitted via email by 11:59pm AEST Friday 14 August 2026 to Will Rosewarne, Company Secretary at [email protected]. Confidential enquiries may also be directed by email to Will Rosewarne. Applicants will be informed of the outcome by 5:00pm AEST 28 August 2026 by Will Rosewarne.
Selection process
Expressions of interest will be assessed having regard to the Board’s current and anticipated Committee composition requirements pursuant to their Terms of Service, the applicant’s independence, skills, experience, availability and alignment with the organisation’s values. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to participate in an interview or discussion with representatives of the Board or relevant Board Committee. Appointment decisions will be made by the Board at their sole and absolute discretion.
Diversity and inclusion
The organisation is committed to inclusive governance and encourages expressions of interest from people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, perspectives and professional pathways, inclusive of social work students looking to make a contribution to their future field of endeavour. Candidates who can contribute to the diversity of thought, lived experience and expertise available to the Board and its Committees are strongly encouraged to apply.
Privacy and confidentiality
Information provided by applicants will be used for the purpose of assessing expressions of interest and managing the appointment process. Applicant information will be handled confidentially and in accordance with applicable privacy obligations and the organisation’s policies.