Nominations Are Now Open - Casual Board Vacancy for Position of Director

The AVA Board is currently seeking to fill a casual vacancy on its Board. Under the AVA Constitution, the AVA Board may fill a casual Board vacancy from among the Members of the Association. Any position so filled will be vacated at the next Annual General Meeting of the Association (May 2025).

Can you join a team of leaders and help to steer the profession in the right direction? Here are some tips and information to help you decide if joining the AVA Board might be the right thing for you. 

The AVA has nine directors: six are elected directly by the general membership and three are nominated and appointed by the three largest Special Interest Groups (ACV, EVA and ASAV). Each director has a 3-year term, with a maximum of two successive terms. The President, Vice President and Treasurer are elected each year by the Board. 

What does the Board do? 

The Board sets the direction for the AVA, makes strategic decisions and ensures effective risk management. 

The Board appoints the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for managing the CEO’s performance. The CEO is responsible for managing the AVA’s employees and ensuring the Board’s strategy is put into action. 

Directors have legal responsibilities for the AVA under the Corporations Act 2001. These include ensuring that the AVA complies with all aspects of the law, risks are managed appropriately, and all parts of the organisation are doing what they should be doing for the benefit of members. 

Who should nominate? 

The first requirement is that candidates be a Full member, Life member or Fellow of the AVA. Candidates who have had prior experience as an executive office holder within a Special Interest Group, Division, Board-approved Group or Branch, as a member of the Policy Advisory Council or as a representative of another veterinary professional body recognised by the AVA are eligible to nominate. Equally, Full members, Life members or Fellows who have the skills, experience, or qualifications necessary to hold such an office (e.g., governance, IT, finance, business, or advocacy skills) will also be considered. 

How do I nominate? 

The Board has a Charter, Director Position Description and a Code of Conduct that outline the expectations of an AVA Director and role of the Board. All candidates need to agree to abide by the Charter, the Code of Conduct and the AVA Constitution before their nominations are accepted. 

You can request a copy of the candidate information package (including the nomination form) by emailing secretariat@ava.com.au. If you are interested in nominating, candidate information packages should be requested as soon as possible. Candidates are asked to complete the information requested in the Candidate Information Pack, including the nomination form and submit to the AVA no later than 5pm AEST Friday 30 August 2024.

If you have questions, please contact Company Secretary, Michael Ghattas, on 02 9431 5041.