Nominations will soon be called for the election of three company directors at Abbeyfield Australia’s November 2015 Annual General Meeting.

The Abbeyfield Australia Board has ten directors. Typically the Board’s annual meeting schedule includes five or six Board meetings, one AGM and a two day planning and development forum. Board members also serve on the Board subcommittees. In the main, subcommittees meet on the same day as the scheduled Board meetings though additional meetings can be expected.

The Board recognizes the great benefit of some its number having a working knowledge of Abbeyfield house and hostel operations. Additionally, further skill sets have also been identified as particularly necessary for the Board as a whole to have. These skill sets include:

• Fund raising

• Community development

• Disability sector – professional experience, industry knowledge

• High level housing sector experience

• Property development and asset management

• Political networks at state and Federal level

• Aged care - professional experience, industry knowledge

• Financial management / accounting

• Legal expertise and qualifications

• Marketing and communications

• Human resources & industrial relations.

The role of an Abbeyfield Australia director can be quite demanding. It is also a reasonably hands-on role requiring a sustained and meaningful commitment. Directors must attend Board meetings, participate on subcommittees, and occasionally assume responsibility for individual assignments.

Directors will also be appointed as Liaison Director to act as a primary conduit between the Board and assigned local Abbeyfield Societies. This is in addition to the director’s primary responsibility for the overall governance of the organisation including financial management, risk management, strategic planning and policy setting.

The role of director on the Abbeyfield Australia Ltd Board is an honorary role.

Subject to the Constitution directors are elected for a three year term.

Any Member of Abbeyfield Australia Ltd can propose or second the nomination of an individual for election as director. The three directors whose current terms expire at the 2015 AGM (being Gay Gardner, David Kay, and John Lawrence) are also eligible to nominate for re-election.