South West Healthcare (SWH) is the major specialist referral centre for the Barwon South West sub-region. Our regional footprint spans five LGAs, employing more than 1500 staff, we are the region’s largest employer. With a recently strengthened medical workforce and stabilised range of specialities across acute, sub-acute, specialist, community, mental health and aged care services, we have a deep and committed approach to community-centred care. We were very proudly awarded the Premier’s Award for Health Service of the Year (Medium) in 2019. In the last 12 years, SWH has seen exceptional growth, and we are a vital contributor to not only population health, but to community life, generating local economic benefit in excess of $125m. SWH respects all individuals and promote equity and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of all genders, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, racial, cultural and religious backgrounds and socio- economic status.
The functions of the board of a public hospital include developing statements of priorities and strategic plans for the operation of the public hospital, monitoring compliance; overseeing financial and business plans, strategies and budgets to ensure the accountable and efficient provision of health care and the long term viability of the public hospital.
The Board is accountable to the Minister of the day for the delivery of services to a high quality, safe and in a cost-effective way. Directors are required to attend board meetings 8 times a year for approximately 3 hours duration. South West Healthcare board meets on the fourth Thursday of the month. Directors are also involved in various board subcommittees that meet bi-monthly and include:
These positions provide an exciting opportunity for members of the Victorian public with relevant experience and capabilities to contribute to the strategic leadership of public health care delivery to the community.
The role of the board includes:
Please see the attached position description for more information about the board director role.
Safe and high-quality healthcare for all Victorians is a priority of the Department of Health. Applicants for board director positions must be able to demonstrate and provide evidence in support of the capabilities they identify in their application.
Collaboration and health service partnerships is a fundamental enabler for an effective and efficient health system. Being able to demonstrate achievements through collaboration and partnering and strong working relationships, particularly in the Victorian health sector, will be highly valued.
All applications will be considered however the board would particularly welcome applications from people with capabilities in Law, Human Resource Management, and Financial Management and Accounting. Please refer to the Position Description and Board Director Capability Framework for more details ( ).
The Department of Health is committed to ensuring that public health boards and committees reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community.
We encourage applications from women, people of all ages, Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and from lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, gender diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) people.
Data Collection and Privacy:
When you apply for a board director position, you will be asked to enter personal details before moving on to a questionnaire.
When collecting and using personal information, the Department of Health acts in accordance with the Victorian Government Privacy Statement, and the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic) which contains the Information Privacy Principles (IPPs).
You do not have to disclose any personal information if you do not want to, but it can help the board and the Department of Health understand how you can be supported through the recruitment process and beyond.
The department invites all applicants to tell us if you identify as Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander, a person with disability, from a culturally or linguistically diverse background, LGBTIQ+ or a young person, aged 25 years old or less.
The department welcomes the opportunity to discuss support that can be provided with any person who identifies as any of the above through the recruitment process and/or post appointment. A discussion can be arranged by contacting healthservicegovernance@health.vic.gov.au.
In the questionnaire, you will have the opportunity to address the key selection criteria and outline your relevant qualifications and experience. Applicants must upload a current resume with their application.
Applicants applying for a board position for the first time will be required to create an account on the Join a Public Board website prior to applying online. Applicants who have previously applied through the Join a Public Board website will already have an account. If you have forgotten your password, the Join a Public Board website allows you to request this information.
According to the Department of Premier and Cabinet’s Appointment and Remuneration Guidelines (the Guidelines), an applicant should not hold more than three positions on Government boards at any one time. The selection panel will not consider more than five applications to public health boards. If more than five positions are applied for, only the first five will be considered.
Applicants should read the ‘How to apply’ document and position description before completing their application.
Board directors of public hospitals and multi purpose services are eligible to receive remuneration under the Guidelines. Public hospital or multi purpose service boards are classified as C1 or A5 organisations pursuant to the Guidelines and directors are remunerated on a per day or per annum basis. For further information, please refer to the position description.
Applications close at Midnight Monday 21 November 2022.
For all enquiries regarding the appointment process, please contact Lee Fairley, Senior Program Advisor, Department of Health lee.fairley@health.vic.gov.au
For all enquiries regarding the board, please contact Gemma Cousins ceo-office@swh.net.au