Prospectus – Director, Australian Podiatry Association

Prospectus – Director, Australian Podiatry Association

Introduction

Welcome to the Australian Podiatry Association (APodA). As a prospective director of the board, you are about to embark on a journey that is both rewarding and impactful. This prospectus outlines how you can play a part in fulfilling the APodA’s strategic plan, the importance of the role, your duty to the members and the broader profession, the significance of the contribution you can make, and the professional growth you can experience as a director.

Your role in achieving our strategic plan

As a director of the board you help to develop and implement the strategic plan. It’s your role to encapsulate the purpose, vision and values of the APodA. The board and all operational staff have developed the strategic plan together and it drives the decisions we make and actions we take.

Importance of the role

The directors of the APodA, play a crucial role in shaping the future of podiatry in Australia. Your leadership will guide the association towards our vision of Amazing Podiatry Always. This role is not only about governance but also about being a steward of the profession, ensuring the association remains relevant and responsive to the needs of its members and the whole podiatry community.

Duty to members and the broader profession

Your primary duty as a director is to the members of the APodA. This includes representing their interests, addressing their concerns, and ensuring the association provides valuable resources and support. Additionally, you have a duty to the broader profession of podiatry. This involves promoting high standards of practice, fostering professional development, and advocating for policies which benefit both practitioners and patients.

The importance of giving back

Giving back to the profession is a fundamental aspect of being a director. By serving on the board, you are contributing to the growth and development of podiatry. This act of service helps to build a stronger, more cohesive professional community. It also sets an example for others, inspiring them to get involved and make a difference. The impact of your contributions can be far-reaching, influencing the direction of the profession and improving the quality of care for patients.

Impact of being on the board

Being on the board of the APodA allows you to make a tangible impact on the profession. You will have the opportunity to influence policy, shape educational programs, and advocate for the interests of podiatrists at a national level. Your decisions and actions can lead to positive changes benefitting both practitioners and patients. This role also provides a platform to address key issues facing the profession and to work collaboratively with other leaders to find solutions.

Professional growth and development

Serving as a director offers valuable opportunities for professional growth. You will gain experience in governance, strategic planning, and leadership. These skills are not only beneficial for your role on the board but also enhance your career prospects and personal development. Additionally, you will have the chance to network with other professionals, share knowledge, and learn from their experiences. This collaborative environment fosters continuous learning and growth, helping you to become a more effective leader and advocate for the profession. The APodA supports director education and you will have the opportunity to undertake formal director and governance training which may be fully or partially subsidised by the APodA.

Time commitment

Directors meet as a Board at least 6 times per year, mainly online with at least one face to face meeting annually. Meetings generally take 2 – 4 hours and are usually held outside regular work hours. All flights, accommodation and meeting related expenses associated with attendance at face to face meetings are met by the Association. In addition to the time associated with attending Board meetings, APodA directors are expected to read and be familiar with information provided via detailed Board papers.

Board members may also be required to participate in relevant Board committee meetings from time to time. These committees may include Audit and Risk Committee, Nominations Committee, Advocacy Committee, and a range of other special interest committees.

You can expect to commit approximately 4 – 6 hours per month to undertaking director duties. This does not include travel time to face to face meetings. This is a voluntary role and directors do not receive remuneration.

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Director competencies and skills

A number of director skills and attributes are outlined below. Whilst it is not expected Board directors will immediately have all the skills, the list provides an outline of the expectations associated with the role. The APodA encourages and can may financially support Director training to enhance your skills and contribution.

Competencies and skills

  • Knowledge of a director’s responsibilities  – includes the legal, ethical, fiduciary and financial responsibilities;
  • Strategic expertise  – the ability to review the strategy through constructive questioning and suggestion and contribute to the effective decision making of the board;
  • Accounting and finance – the ability to read and comprehend the company’s accounts, financial material, financial reporting requirements and some understanding of corporate finance;
  • Legal – the board’s responsibility involves overseeing compliance with numerous laws as well as understanding the individual director’s legal duties and responsibilities;
  • Risk Management – experience in managing areas of major risk management to the organisation;
  • Managing people and achieving change – experience in contemporary thinking on employment, change management, branding, engagement, strategic vision and stakeholder communication;
  • Industry knowledge – experience and an understanding of the podiatry profession and the Australian Health sector.

Personal attributes

  • Integrity – fulfilling a director’s duties and responsibilities, acting ethically, appropriate independence, putting the organisation’s interests before personal interests;
  • Collaborative yet curious and courageous – a director must be able to function as an effective team member but also must have the curiosity to ask questions and the courage to persist in robust discussions with the CEO and fellow board members where required;
  • Emotional intelligence – as well as self-awareness and self-management, a director needs to demonstrate empathy manifested through strong interpersonal skills. A director must work well in a group, listen well, be tactful yet able to communicate in a cogent and candid viewpoint;
  • Commercial judgement and instinct – a director needs to demonstrate good business instinct and acumen, and be able to assimilate and synthesise complex information;
  • Active contribution - a director needs to be an active contributor with genuine interest in the association and its business.

Joining the board of the APodA is a significant commitment, but it is also a highly rewarding experience. Your contributions will help to shape the future of podiatry, support your colleagues, and improve patient care. We encourage you to consider this opportunity to give back to the profession and to grow both personally and professionally.

If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out via email at ceo@podiatry.org.au. We look forward to your potential involvement and the positive impact you can make as a director of the APodA.