Board Director – Deaf Connect

Deaf Connect is Australia’s largest provider of whole-of-life services for Deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing individuals. As a national organisation, it delivers a wide range of programs and supports that span early intervention, education, aged care, interpreting, and community engagement. With a strong foundation in Australian Sign Language (Auslan), Deaf Connect is deeply rooted in the culture and identity of the Deaf community.

The organisation plays a vital role in empowering individuals and families to make informed choices and lead fulfilling lives. Through services such as NDIS support, therapy, Auslan education, and aged care programs like Ageing Well, Deaf Connect ensures that people across all life stages have access to inclusive, culturally appropriate care and support. It also partners with government and non-government bodies to improve accessibility and representation.

Beyond service delivery, Deaf Connect is a social impact organisation committed to advocacy and systemic change. It works to remove cultural and language barriers, influence public policy, and promote equity for Deaf Australians. Guided by community consultation and a respect for Deaf history and language, the organisation continues to lead with purpose, ensuring the voices of the Deaf community are heard and respected.

The organisation also arms a fundraising program operating an Art Union. Branded as the Deaf Lottery this program sells tickets through a raffle lottery environment for a major prize. The revenue raised supports the programs and initiatives of Deaf Connect.

Deaf Connect is also Australia’s largest provider of Auslan and Interpreter qualifications, operating as the Registered Training Organisation of Deaf Services (RTO #41192). It offers nationally recognised courses across ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, and WA, serving over 1,000 students annually. Programs range from Certificate II in Auslan to the Diploma of Interpreting, with qualifications respected by employers and educational institutions.

Client website

ACNC Profile

An established growing organisation with a national footprint, Deaf Connect has a solid financial foundation with which to continue its growth which has consistently been 10-15% compounded growth per annum.

With a well credentialed board, and an established, stable and high performing executive, Deaf Connect are well placed to continue the growth objectives and initiatives planned in line with their new strategic plans.

These include expanding the lottery program, along with developing international opportunities to expand new horizons.

Deaf Connect continue to focus on building capacity, influencing social change, and enhancing its cultural and leadership capability framework. The organisation’s strategic plan aims to strengthen its position as a leading provider, fostering partnerships at local, national, and global levels.

It is clear that Deaf Connect values community support and is actively seeking to expand its services and influence through strategic planning and partnerships.

Deaf Connects Board is focused on strengthening the organisation’s leadership and influence within both the Deaf community and broader society. This includes advocating for the rights and needs of Deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing Australians, and positioning Deaf Connect as a leading voice in driving social change. Strategic leadership remains central to ensuring the organisation’s values and mission are reflected in national conversations and policy development.

A key priority is deepening community engagement through broad consultation and transparent communication. The Board is committed to ensuring that services are shaped by the real needs of the community, with mechanisms in place for ongoing dialogue and accountability. To this end, the Board have identified several priorities and initiatives which supports the delivery of responsive, inclusive programs that reflect the lived experiences of those they serve.

To support long-term impact, the Board is also focused on aligning services nationally, building organisational capability, and maintaining strong governance. This includes expanding partnerships, investing in systems and workforce development, and fostering a culture of innovation.

Governance oversight extends to clinical and care governance, with performance monitored through key indicators such as satisfaction, participation, and brand engagement. These priorities reflect a commitment to operational excellence and a deep connection to community values and aspirations

With the evolving Aged Care reforms in Australia, Deaf Connect’s board has chosen to proactively strengthen its leadership by aligning clinical expertise with the specific care it provides. This approach reflects the board’s commitment to futureproofing and maintaining the highest standards of care.

This role significantly contributes to the successful performance and position of the board; it is expected that Directors with clinical experience can provide insight into clinical and care governance and offer expertise on key decisions affecting the quality and safety of care to the clients we serve.

As the organisation refines its business, in line with its strategic direction, there will always be some change, understanding change and leading change will be ongoing.

Being the largest, whole-of-life service provider and social impact organisation for deaf brings its own challenges with the organisation striving to remain nimble to respond to changes and opportunities as they arise.

Being a respected voice in the sector and sought after partner with government and industry the need to be responsive and take on projects when needed is an ongoing challenge.

Delivering services in an ever-evolving landscape this board look to proactively respond to challenges where compliance becomes a feature for organisation to benchmark.

Governance is critical, and the Deaf Connect Board is seeking to appoint a new Director with a broader range of clinical care experience, further aligning with the requirements introduced under the Aged Care reforms in Australia. This reflects Deaf Connect’s commitment to excellence in service delivery and cultural integrity.

While legislation does not prescribe the specific nature of clinical experience required, the Board recognises the importance of aligning and strengthening this expertise with Deaf Connect’s unique service offerings and cultural context. Deaf Connect provides clinical care through its Aging Well, 1:1 support programs and early intervention service, with a strong emphasis on community-based support and independent living.

The successful candidate brings clinical insight that spans allied health disciplines such as nursing, audiology, speech therapy, social work, and in-home support. Experience in aged care, disability services, or community health—particularly within culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations or Deaf and hard of hearing communities—is highly valued.

Importantly, Deaf Connect is not a medical service provider seeking to “fix” deafness. It is a culture and community that celebrates Deaf identity. As Australia’s largest employer of Deaf people, Deaf Connect is committed to providing opportunities for individuals to live their best lives. Understanding this cultural distinction is essential for any Board member.

This role requires:

• Board Governance: Proven experience in governance, ideally with AICD credentials. Previous board roles, including committee chair or deputy chair, are desirable.
• Clinical Expertise: A background in clinical governance, quality and safety oversight, and community service leadership. Experience in organisations with turnover exceeding $50 million is preferred.
• An interest to learning and understanding of Deaf Culture: An appreciation for the diversity of communication styles and approaches within the Deaf community. This includes recognising the cultural, not medical, nature of deafness and engaging respectfully in a boardroom environment that reflects this diversity.

This appointment represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen the Board’s capability, support succession planning, and ensure continued compliance and excellence in service delivery.

Comfortable in the boardroom environment with a refined professional decorum, you bring a curiosity and proactive approach to carrying out your duties in a collaborative and supportive manner.

Directors Compliance Requirements

As a director of Deaf Connect there are significant compliance requirements that directors are required to meet and maintain in accordance with legislation requirements.

These including but not limited to the following:

• Director ID Number
• Not disqualified from being a director
• National Criminal History Check
• Member of Deaf Connect
• NDIS Workers Check
• Blue Card – QLD
• OCHRE Card – NT
• Working With Children Clearance – NSW
• Key Personnel Check & Declaration (As attached for viewing)
• National Personal Insolvency (NPII) search
• A copy of the ASQA Fit and Proper Person Declaration (As attached for viewing)

• This is a remunerated position of $12,500 per year including Super as a standard board member.
• Committee and chair responsibilities also attract additional fees over and above the base fee.
• Each director is expected to serve on one committee, either as a member or as the committee chair. Directors are only eligible for one associated fee, and historically, no director has participated in more than one committee.
• The chair fee is comprehensive, meaning no additional committee fees are paid to those serving in that role.
• Directors are eligible to salary sacrifice up to the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) cap, which is approximately $15,000. Additionally, directors are encouraged to maintain membership with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) or a similar professional body, and the organisation reimburses the annual membership fee for such affiliations.
• The board meets every second month with some event attendance required throughout the year.
• At least 1 of these board meetings will be face to face with all other meetings virtual.
• There is a working weekend once a year.
• Committee meetings are three times a year or more depending on the work required.
• A strategic planning day is held every three years

When submitting your application, ensure your application includes:

• An up-to-date resume (in Word format)
• A covering letter (in Word format) outlining your interest and expertise relevant to the role

Submit your application quoting reference number MCBDDC to apply@windsor-group.com.au. For more information please contact Mike Conroy on 07 3211 0001. Your application will be acknowledged by email within one business day.

View the live job advertisement and apply here.