The ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy Service (ADACAS) is a company limited by
guarantee, and was established in 1991. Since then, it has provided free and independent
advocacy for people with a disability, people experiencing mental ill-health, older people, and
carers. It is predominantly funded by the ACT, NSW and Commonwealth Governments.
ADACAS is highly regarded across the sector, is in a strong financial position and has been under
a sustained period of growth. This is an exciting opportunity for a new Chair to lead the
organisation going forward, with an experienced and well-established Board and CEO in place
and a new three-year Strategic Plan agreed in early 2024.
ADACAS delivers independent, individual advocacy in the ACT and has expanded its reach to
regional NSW, including the Capital Region, Murrumbidgee, Illawarra and Shoalhaven local
health districts. The organisation is also funded to support people who want to access the
Redress Scheme, established to compensate people who experienced child sexual abuse in
institutional settings.
ADACAS delivers its aged care advocacy as the ACT member organisation of the Older Persons
Advocacy Network (OPAN). It is also a leader in the emerging field of Supported Decision Making
(SDM) for people with reduced cognitive capacity. ADACAS provides guidance and training to
mainstream businesses interested in employing people with disability through our Employer
Confidence Program.
The ADACAS Board currently has 8 Directors. Meetings are held outside business hours in the
ADACAS office every second month. The Board has two sub-committees: Governance; and
Finance, Audit and Risk, which the Chair may attend as ex-officio. There is also an opportunity
for the Chair to be a Director on the OPAN Board as the ADACAS nominee, however this function
may be delegated to another ADACAS Director.
The Role of the ADACAS Board Chair
ADACAS seeks to recruit for the expected vacancy of the Board Chair.
This is an opportunity for a leader who is passionate about the human rights of people with
disability, older persons, and their carers. The ideal candidate will have the following
qualifications:
- Demonstrated success as a Board Chair or Director, ideally in the NFP sector with a
sound understanding of contemporary governance and leadership - Professional experience with leadership accomplishments in business,
government, philanthropy, or the NFP sector - Strategic thinking, sound judgment, and excellent written and oral communication
skills - Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and support for human rights
- The ability to promote diversity and a collaborative and effective culture,
and develop productive working relationships with Directors and management - The ability to deal with difficult issues and conflict, and good interpersonal skills
We welcome applications from community members who believe they can provide leadership
to ADACAS and guide our future success. As ADACAS is an independent advocacy
organisation, and to avoid any real or potential conflict of interest, applicants must not be
employed by or associated with (paid or unpaid) any disability or aged care provider.
Service on ADACAS’ Board of Directors is without remuneration, except for reimbursement of
direct administrative support, travel, and accommodation costs in relation to Board Members’
duties. Financial support is also available for professional development activities.
Further information about ADACAS is available from the website (www.adacas.org.au) and from
the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission (www.acnc.gov.au)
The current Chair is also available to discuss any queries from potential applicants, via the
CEO.
A selection committee will assess applications and seek to interview shortlisted candidates.
Applicants should submit a two-page statement of claims and a current CV to demonstrate
their suitability for the role. The closing date is Friday 7 the February 2025.
Inquiries and applications should be addressed to the CEO of ADACAS, Wendy Prowse.
ceo@adacas.org.au
T: 6242 5060