Board Director, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine

The Attorney- General, the Hon. Jaclyn Symes MP, invites applications for a Board Director of the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM).

VIFM provides world-leading independent forensic medical and scientific expertise to the justice system, tissue for transplantation and conducts teaching and research in forensic medicine and science. VIFM provides the justice system with the crucial evidence that underpins safe convictions and appropriate acquittals. Our doctors and scientists investigate deaths reported to the Coroner, examine alleged offenders and medically assess and support victims of crime.

VIFM is a statutory body, first established in 1985. VIFM's establishing legislation was recently reviewed to modernise and strengthen VIFM's governance, facilitate greater stakeholder engagement and embed the role of teaching training and research as core functions.

VIFM's new governance Board commencing on 1 July 2025 will replace the current VIFM Council as the organisation's governing body responsible for the Institute's performance, and for establishing governance arrangements that represent the best interests of the organisation, the justice system and the Victorian community.

The role of the Board is to oversee the performance of the organisation and ensure that it is meeting its strategic objectives and is delivering quality services. The Board also supports the Chief Executive Officer and the Director of Forensic Medicine and senior VIFM staff to lead and manage the work of the organisation. The board convenes ten times throughout the year.

The Board is ultimately responsible for:

• setting the vision, strategy, and direction of the organisation
• having ultimate accountability for the delivery of safe and quality services, including cultural safety and freedom from discrimination, harassment, and bullying
• oversight of the performance and delivery of key policy priorities
• ensuring the ongoing financial viability of the organisation, and
• recruitment, support and monitoring of the VIFM’s Chief Executive Officer and Director of Forensic Medicine.

More information about this exciting opportunity is provided in the related position description and information about the VIFM can be found at: https://www.vifm.org/(opens in a new window)

The VIFM Board is classified as a category B1 organisation under the Victorian Government Appointment and Remuneration Guidelines and members will be remunerated within the B1 classification range.

Each person appointed to the board must have appropriate knowledge, skills and experience in one or more of the following:

1. A field of forensic medicine or a relevant field of science
2. Commercial, operational, legal or financial matters
3. Clinical governance
4. The criminal justice system
5. Any other field relevant to board expertise
6. Financial expertise.

It is also desirable that candidates also demonstrate:

1. Previous board experience – public sector board experience is preferred
2. Experience in building partnerships with stakeholders/ stakeholder management and/or user experience and engagement
3. Business development, including marketing and communications
4. Innovation, research and teaching
5. Change and/or strategic people management
6. Asset management
7. ICT strategy and governance.

Applicants are asked to nominate and provide supporting information on their capabilities.

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government agencies reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. Applications from people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQA+ people, people with experience of the justice system and people living in rural and regional Victoria.

You do not have to disclose any personal information if you do not want to, but it can help us understand how we can support you through the recruitment process and beyond. We invite you to tell us if you identify as Aboriginal, a person with disability, from a culturally or linguistically diverse background, LGBTIQA+ or a young person, aged 25 years old or less. If you identify as any of the aforementioned, we welcome the opportunity to contact you and discuss how we can support you through the recruitment process. Sharing this information will help you access support should you need it and will also help us to better understand the impact of our work.

The Victorian Government’s Women on Boards commitment has been in effect since 2015 and is ensuring that all public boards have no less than 50 per cent women. In 2021, 55 per cent of board seats are held by women, compared to 39 per cent six years ago. #DJCS

How to apply

Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter addressing the key selection criteria. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats. #DJCS

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-appointment checks, which may include national police checks and misconduct screening.

If you would like help understanding this document or would like to receive it in another format phone 0428 047 551, using the National Relay Service 13 36 77 if required, or at Meagan.A.McLaren@justice.vic.gov.au.