Board Chair Person

About Us

Playgroup NSW is a not-for-profit organisation that helps connect families and children to people and services in the community to positively impact their quality of life. For over 50 years, Playgroup NSW has delivered and linked families to vital services such as parent support groups and playgroups for those experiencing vulnerability and diversity, and for those who value community connections. Thousands of families connect via Playgroup sessions affiliated with or delivered by Playgroup NSW every week, building their parental capacity, their village and helping their children learn.

The Opportunity

This is an exciting time to join Playgroup NSW! We’re embarking on an ambitious journey to double our impact by 2027, and the Chair will play a pivotal role in leading the charge. Our current board is a diverse and collaborative group with a mix of skills and experience, and consists of 6 members with the view that this will be increased to 9 through the recruitment of a new chair to replace the existing and 3 new board members. There are currently 2 board sub committees – the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and the Board and Leadership Effectiveness Committee.

About the Role

As the Chair of PGNSW Board, you will provide inspirational leadership, direction, and oversight to the board members, guiding a clear strategic direction and governance of the organisation. Your role is pivotal in fostering collaboration, communication, and effective decision-making among board members, management, staff, and stakeholders. You will champion the mission and values of the organisation, ensuring alignment with best practices in early childhood development, child safety and regulatory compliance. PGNSW is currently working towards our 2027 strategic plan of doubling our overall impact: PGNSW-Strategic Plan-to 2027.

Remuneration for the role of Chair will be paid at $12,000 per annum. Other Board Member roles are undertaken in a volunteer capacity. There is an annual reimbursement for the cost of carrying out the duties of a Board Member at $420 per year.

Key Responsibilities for the Chairperson:

• Meeting commitment includes attendance at 6 board meetings and 2 – 3 committee meetings per year, along with an annual strategy day.
• Chair board meetings, setting agendas, facilitating discussions, and ensuring effective decision-making and follow-up.
• Foster a culture of transparency, integrity, collaboration, respect and accountability in board governance and operations.
• Facilitate board orientation, training, and ongoing professional development to enhance members’ understanding of their roles, responsibilities, and fiduciary duties.
• Lead the board in setting PGNSW’s strategic vision, goals, and priorities, in alignment with its mission and values.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the board and CEO, leadership team, staff, volunteers, subscribers, and external stakeholders, representing the organisation’s interests and values.
• Maintain a transparent and supportive relationship with the CEO, meeting regularly and as required, to ensure close alignment between the Board and Management, and achievement of the organisation’s strategic and governance requirements.

Key Responsibilities for all Board Members:

• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, including accreditation standards, licensing regulations, and nonprofit governance guidelines.
• Identify and assess risks to the organisation’s operations, reputation, and financial health, implementing appropriate controls and mitigation strategies.
• Oversee the development and implementation of policies and procedures to promote ethical conduct, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

About You

• Specialist skills sought: Fundraising & Advocacy – Government, philanthropic funds, major donors; Marketing, Media & Digital; Service and practice design, evaluation & impact measurement.
• PGNSW is an inclusive workplace and values a diverse range of skills, backgrounds, and lived experience. We encourage First Nations, applicants from diverse cultural backgrounds, those who have a disability or who are representatives from the disability community, and people from rural and remote locations across NSW.
• Previous experience as a Board Member.
• Knowledge of a Board Member’s responsibilities including an understanding of the role as well as the legal, ethical, fiduciary and financial responsibilities.
• The ability to read and comprehend the company’s accounts, financial material presented to the board, financial reporting requirements and some understanding of corporate finance.
• Experience in managing areas of major risk, including understanding of risk management frameworks.
• Experience in current management thinking on employment, branding, engagement, strategic vision and stakeholder communication; experience in executive remuneration and compensation.
• Senior General/Executive Management Leadership experience.
• Working with Children Check (Volunteer WWCC application can be made with Service NSW).

Other Preferred Criteria

• AICD membership and qualifications.
• Professional accreditations in specific skill areas.
• An understanding of early childhood development and parental capacity building, and the impacts on child, family and community wellbeing.
• An understanding of the role of playgroups and parental support groups in improving outcomes for children, families, and communities, would be highly advantageous.

Overall, this is a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and families. We encourage passionate and results-oriented individuals to apply!

A position description is attached.