Conducting an executive search for four board directors with key expertise in legal, finance and clinical governance, along with First Nations.
The Brief
In June 2024, Future Leadership was engaged to partner in the search and appointment process for four new board directors. The organisation, known for saving women’s lives, is extremely effective and is highly valued by Government and the wider community.
Anticipating future term completions, and as part of ongoing Board renewal, the Board prudently decided to appoint four new Directors, well in advance, to ensure smooth transition planning. The key expertise sought were: legal, finance and clinical governance, along with First Nations.
It was identified that all Board Members would demonstrate strength in strategic leadership, risk management and finance coupled with commercial nous. Our clients Board is ministerially appointed, following appointment by the Minister, Board members serve for a term of three years, with the potential for a maximum of two further terms. Board members are remunerated in accordance with Department of Premier and Cabinet Appointment and Remuneration Guidelines at 50% of the daily rate for Group B organisations.
The Future Leadership team met with the Selection Committee to develop a deep understanding of the nuanced requirements for the roles. A rigorous executive search was undertaken across Victoria engaging individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds. Future Leadership approached prospective candidates in the areas of banking/finance, education, health, aged care, professional services and telecommunications. Notwithstanding these roles were non-remunerated, there was an outstanding level of interest and Future Leadership responded promptly to all enquiries.
Candidate net Promote Score
Future Leadership combines truly personalised relationships with innovative technology solutions to ensure an approachable and efficient process for all our Net Promoter Score across clients, successful candidates and unsuccessful candidates is well above industry standard.
Candidates supported every year
We maintain genuine relationships with past candidates and continue to support them with leadership solutions long term, after they land their role.
Senior Women Appointed since 2002
Over half of the executive search assignments undertaken by our team have resulted in the appointment of outstanding female or LGBTQI+ leaders to high profile roles.
Candidate Retention Rate for 12 months since 2002
Our thorough briefing process and ability to engage passive candidates mean that we go to great lengths to find the right person for the role – long term!
The Process
Future Leadership™ assembled a specialised team, led by Deborah Komesaroff and an experienced research and administration team, to lead the search. Key steps included:
- Targeted Search and Talent Identification: At the outset, a comprehensive briefing was provided by the Board Chair, Deputy Chair, Board Member and CEO from the organisation, where the nuances and the requirements for the Board Director roles were discussed in detail. The Future Leadership team then embarked on a rigorous search process to identify candidates who not only possessed the essential expertise but also aligned with the values and vision of the organisation.
- Comprehensive Shortlisting: Over 100 formal applications were received. Comprehensive behavioural interviews were conducted by Deborah Komesaroff before providing our client with a diverse shortlist report of 20 qualified candidates.
- Panel Interviews and Reference Checking: Following shortlisting, nine viable candidates progressed to panel interviews with the organisations selection committee. Future Leadership coordinated all aspects of the panel interviews, including logistics and interview questions. 360 degree reference checking was completed for the preferred candidates.
The Outcome
Four candidates were appointed as Board Members by the Minister:
The first, has over 17 years of experience in banking, finance and governance and as a non-executive director. Presenting with a diverse background in not-for-profit organisations within the disability sector and corporate entities.
The second, is an influential leader in Australian public policy, social justice and law reform as an experienced Chair, CEO, Deputy Secretary and Commissioner across legal, social and government sectors. For 25 years, they led policy development, service delivery, major reform and systematic change at federal, state and local levels through working with individuals and communities.
The third, a Dja Dja Wurrung, Yorta Yorta woman, is an experienced leader in health, higher education, and Indigenous services, with a strong focus on achieving health and wellbeing outcomes for First Nations people in Victoria and Australia. With a reputation as a trusted mentor and strategic advisor and a proven track record in Indigenous student recruitment, policy development, and service coordination across both the education and health sectors.
The fourth, brings over 25 years clinical practice as a senior forensic physician caring for community at some of the most vulnerable times of their lives, and extensive leadership and board governance experience across healthcare, welfare, justice, emergency services and sporting industries. Having chaired several quality and safety, people and culture and clinical governance committees and bringing an improvement perspective, and unwavering care for staff.
