Expression of Interest for Company Secretary
Are you looking for an opportunity to develop new skills and put your experience and expertise to use for a great cause? Tombolo Academy is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from people who are suitable and willing to be considered for appointment to work alongside our Board as Company Secretary.
Pro-bono Independent position
- Chance to shape the future of an ambitious Not-For-Profit from the ground floor
- Contribute to a unique school that is making a positive different to the lives of neurodiverse children
About Tombolo Academy
Tombolo Academy is a unique specialist setting that caters for highly capable neurodiverse students aged 8-16 who have previously found it challenging to learn and engage in a mainstream setting. These students have a unique combination of abilities and challenges. Tombolo Academy provides a calm, safe and stimulating learning environment where students feel comfortable to fail and face their challenges with the support of caring and understanding staff members.
About our Board
The Tombolo Academy board is comprised of directors with varying experiences from for profit and not for profit sectors. The Board provides governance and strategic leadership to the organisation and invites and encourages a diverse and inclusive perspective from all participants.
What we are looking for
We are looking for our next Company Secretary that can actively contribute and be part of our growth and to align themselves with our Strategic Plan.
Applications are encouraged from all areas of expertise, but of particular interest are applicants who may cover one or more of the following areas:
- Experience with neurodiversity or neurodiverse students
- Experience with specialist school students and learning
- Building, planning or real estate expertise, and/or
- Legal profession experience Previous experience working on or with a board is not required, but prior board experience or AICD membership will be well regarded. You would be required to obtain a free Working With Children Check (WWCC).
About the Role
The Company Secretary works closely with the Board and is responsible for:
Ensuring compliance – with applicable laws and corporate governance best practice
Supporting the Board – arranging meetings/minutes/agendas etc
Record Keeping – keeping required records and registers up to date
Communication – facilitating communication between the Board and the Executive
Policies and Procedures – assisting with the development of policies and procedures, including risk management
Advising the Board on matters of corporate governance, legal compliance and ethical conduct.
Training and guidance will be provided for these tasks, where the successful candidate requests or requires it.
As your familiarity with the school increases you would also be involved in
- Providing input, guidance and participation in the development and execution of the school’s Strategic Plan
- Being a brand ambassador for the organisation promoting the work and impact the organisation has for our students and their families.
What your role as Company Secretary would look like
- Participate in 10 board meetings a year and be an active contributor – we have a mix of in-person and virtually held board meetings
- Participate in 1 Annual General Meeting (AGM) per year
- Participate in 2 strategy meetings per year
- Be an integral part of the evolution, development and expansion of Tombolo Academy as a community business and organisation
- Assist the organisation in addressing any strategic challenges
Next Steps
To submit your EOI please tell us a bit about yourself (briefly) including the following:
- Where are you located?
- Do you have any prior experience as a company secretary or as a member of a board? If yes, please provide a brief description
- Do you have any existing relationship with Tombolo Academy?
- Do you currently have a valid Victorian Working With Children Check? Do you forsee any potential issues in obtaining a Working With Children Check?
- What is your preferred contact method?
- If you were asked to undertake the Company Secretary role when would you be able to start attending board meetings and taking on the role?
- Please let us know why you are interested in joining Tombolo Academy in this role.
- What strengths do you think you could bring?
- Any other skills and experience you wish to mention that would you bring?
- Do you have any questions for us about Tombolo Academy or the role?
If you would like to find out more, please contact Mark Northeast (Board Chair), marknortheast@tombolo.vic.edu.au on or Helen Barrett (School Principal), helen.barrett@tombolo.vic.edu.au
