Closing date: 8 August 2011

Background

i) Call for Nominations

This is notification to all Members of the Society of a call for nominations for the office of President-Elect and two (2) General Director positions on the Board of Directors, in accordance with clause 69 of the Society’s Constitution.

ii) Composition of the Board and Terms of Office

In accordance with clause 65 of the Constitution, the business of the Society will be conducted by the Board of Directors, which will be constituted as follows:

  • President;
  • President-Elect (in those years in which a President-Elect has been elected);
  • Executive Director;
  • Six (6) non-executive Directors elected by the Members of the Society pursuant to clause 65(a)(iv) (General Directors); and
  • Up to three (3) non-executive Directors appointed by the Board pursuant to clause 67(d) (Additional Directors).

The term of office for the position of President is two (2) years, President-Elect is one (1) year (followed by assumption of the office of President) and General Directors will serve a term of three (3) years. In accordance with clause 66 of the Constitution, to avoid all Directors retiring at the same time the General Directors alternate retirement in such a way that, subject to clause 68, two (2) General Directors retire at each annual general meeting.

Retiring General Directors are not eligible for election for a second consecutive term as a General Director, unless that retiring General Director was appointed to fill a casual vacancy for a term of less than one (1) year pursuant to clause 68(e). In 2011 there are no retiring
General Directors in this position.

Responsibilities of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors governs the Society and has overall responsibility for pursuing the Society’s Mission, determining the strategic plan and priorities, monitoring implementation and developing a resource base to support the Society’s activities. The Board is the ultimate decision-making and policy-setting body. It is also responsible for the financial viability of the Society and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements applicable to a company.

All Board members are required to act in what the Board considers are the best interests of the Society, being the interests of the membership as a whole.

Attributes and Competencies of Directors

Attributes and competencies required to be an effective Director are specified so that Members can assess their suitability for candidature. In order to effectively govern the Society and meet their legal responsibilities, Directors should u nderstand and be able to effectively deal with the unique opportunities, issues, risks and challenges facing the Society. To be an effective Director of the Society, a nominee should possess or be able to quickly develop the following attributes and competencies:

 Internal External  External
An extensive and current knowledge of the Society and psychology An understanding of the role and legal and fiduciary responsibilities of a company director
A focus on improving benefits for the membership A strategic approach, including skills in strategic planning within relevant and current contexts
A willingness to effectively communicate with members of the Society and actively encourage their involvement in the Society The ability to apply business judgement to strategic decision-making
The commitment and ability to devote time to Board matters and be involved in the work of committees The ability to represent the Society to external bodies
The propensity to work constructively as part of a team governing the Society A genuine interest in working for the psychological health and wellbeing of the Australian communit

 

To assist Directors in developing these attributes and competencies, Directors should be prepared to participate in director training as recommended and supported by the Society.

Role of President

When assessing their suitability for candidature for President-Elect members should, in addition to recognising the responsibilities and the required attributes and competencies of Directors, also consider that the role of President is to:

  • provide vision and leadership;
  • chair Board meetings;
  • be a spokesperson for the Society; and
  • ensure effective communication between the Board and the membership.

Information for Voters

To provide Members with enough information to make a decision about their vote, candidates are given the following opportunities to introduce themselves and express their opinions on matters relevant to the governance of the Society:

  • submitting an Information Statement including details of their history of activities with the Society and reasons for nominating, making particular reference to the internal and external attributes and competencies of Directors. This Information Statement will be published in the election booklet and on the Society's website;
  • responding to questions from members, with the questions and responses from candidates published on the Society’s website; and
  • submitting an optional final statement to be published on the Society’s website.