Independent Director
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of
Psychiatrists (RANZCP)
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of
Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is seeking to appoint an Independent Director to its
Board under the Appointed Director provisions of the Constitution.
About the opportunity
This appointment comes at a pivotal time for the College.
Following an external evaluation of Board and Committee
effectiveness, the Board is progressing a targeted program of governance
enhancement to strengthen independence, accountability, and strategic
oversight.
The appointment of an Independent Director is a key element
of this work. The role is designed to bring an external, objective perspective
to Board deliberations and provide constructive challenge to support
high-quality decision-making.
The successful candidate will contribute to the Board’s
stewardship of the College as it navigates a complex and evolving environment,
while continuing to advance its role in supporting the psychiatry profession
and improving mental health outcomes across Australia and New Zealand.
You can find more information about the RANZCP Board and
the Independent Director opportunity here (copy and paste into browser) https://www.ranzcp.org/college-committees/committees,-faculties,-sections-networks/board-elections/ranzcp-independent-director-appointment
Strategic context
Key areas of Board focus over the next 3–5 years include:
- Strengthening
governance frameworks and Board effectiveness
- Supporting
organisational reform and continuous improvement
- Enhancing
member engagement and trust across a diverse membership base
- Responding
to evolving mental health system, workforce, and policy challenges
Key details
- Title:
Independent Director
- Term:
Two-year term, commencing June 2026 and concluding May 2028.
- Time
commitment: Must attend 75% of Board Meeting (7-10 per year); plus attend
and participate at the RANZCP Congress, Members’ Advisory Council and
allocated Board Committee/s.
- Remuneration:
Unpaid voluntary position. Travel and related expenses provided.
- Location:
Australia and New Zealand
- Travel:
Travel will be required to attend in-person Board and Committee meetings
Skills and experience
The Board is seeking a candidate who brings strong
governance capability and an independent perspective.
We are particularly interested in candidates who can
demonstrate capability across the AICD competency domains, and meet the
following Role Requirements (as identified in the Position Description):
- Meet the eligibility requirements for a
Director under the Corporations Act 2001.
- Have
demonstrated 5 to 7 years’ prior or current experience as a Company Director or
Secretary.
- Be
a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ Course, New
Zealand Institute of Directors’ Course, or an appropriate equivalent course.
- Have
demonstrated expertise in governance or corporate strategy, with a strong
understanding of fiduciary and ethical obligations.
Desirable skills and experience
- Previous
experience as a Board Director in a not-for-profit, healthcare, regulatory
or professional membership organisation, ensuring familiarity with
governance best practices.
- An intermediate
understanding of psychiatry and mental health services in Australia and
Aotearoa New Zealand.
- Able to contribute
to policy development and organisational decision making.
Candidates must be able to meet independence requirements,
including not being a Fellow, employee, or recent contractor of the RANZCP, and
being free from conflicts that could compromise independent judgement.
Personal qualities
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- An
independent mindset, with the confidence to provide constructive challenge
- Strong
strategic thinking and sound judgement
- A
collaborative and respectful approach to collective decision-making
- A
clear commitment to integrity, purpose, and inclusive leadership
- Support for diversity, inclusion, and cultural
safety in governance processes is desirable.
Governance, conduct and integrity
Appointment is subject to meeting the College’s fit and
proper person requirements, satisfactory conflict of interest disclosures, and
alignment with RANZCP’s values, Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics.
Directors are expected to uphold high standards of
professional conduct, including collegiality, confidentiality, respect for
differing views, and accountability in governance.
The appointment will be made in accordance with the Appointment of an Appointed or Casual Vacancy Director to
the Board Procedure. A police check will form part
of the appointment process.
Diversity and inclusion
RANZCP is committed to building a diverse and inclusive
Board that reflects the communities it serves.
We strongly encourage applications from candidates of
diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, including Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically
diverse backgrounds, women, and people with disability.
How to apply
Applications should include:
- A
curriculum vitae
- A
cover letter outlining relevant skills and experience
- Contact
details for two professional referees
- Applications
open: 20 April
- Applications
close: 5:00pm AEST 11 May
