Board Members

Board Members – BPA Early Learning

Make a meaningful contribution to the future of early childhood education and care.

BPA Early Learning is seeking an experienced and values-driven Board Members to join our Board as part of our ongoing Board renewal and succession planning.

This is an opportunity to bring your professional expertise, strategic thinking and governance experience to an organisation committed to creating positive outcomes for children, families and communities.

About BPA Early Learning

Established in 1998, BPA Early Learning is a not-for-profit Early Years Manager providing kindergarten and childcare services across Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Today, more than 400 employees support over 2,500 children and their families across over 30 early childhood services, working in partnership with parents, communities and local and state government to deliver high-quality early childhood education and care.

Our purpose is simple but important:

To support every child to flourish in safe, accessible, equitable and culturally responsive early childhood education.

Our work is underpinned by our values of Inclusiveness, Quality, Leadership, Integrity and Collaboration.

Child Safety

At BPA Early Learning, child safety is at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for Board Members who understand that creating a child-safe environment is everyone's responsibility and who are committed to ensuring every child feels safe, respected, included, heard and empowered.

The Opportunity

The early childhood sector is undergoing significant change and reform, creating both opportunities and challenges for organisations delivering services to children, families and communities.

As part of BPA Early Learning’s Board renewal and succession planning, we are seeking to strengthen our Board capability, particularly in:

• Financial governance, risk and audit oversight
• Early childhood governance and government relations or
• Child safety and wellbeing

As a Board Member, you will work alongside other experienced Board Members and the executive leadership team to help shape BPA’s strategic direction and contribute to its governance, stewardship and long-term sustainability.

You will contribute to Board oversight of:

• Strategic direction and organisational performance
• Financial sustainability and financial governance
• Enterprise risk, assurance and compliance
• Child safety and regulatory obligations
• Quality outcomes for children and families
• Early childhood sector reform, government relations and policy
• Workforce attraction and retention
• Sustainable growth and community impact
• CEO performance and accountability

About You

We are particularly interested in hearing from senior leaders who:

• Hold Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA) qualifications and have significant financial, governance and risk management experienceat Board, executive or senior leadership level
• Have strong oversight or policy experience in the early childhood education and care sector at Board or executive level, including an understanding of the NQF, NQS, regulatory environment, government relations, policy and emerging sector reforms.
• Have expertise in child safety and wellbeing, again at Board or executive level

You will also be able to demonstrate:

Strategic Leadership & Governance, includingthe ability to contribute to organisational strategy, governance, performance and long-term sustainability

Sound Judgement & Independence, together with the skills to consider complex issues objectively, ask thoughtful and challenging questions, consider diverse perspectives and make decisions in the best interests of the organisation

Child Safety & Regulatory Oversight, including an understanding of the importance of strong governance and Board accountability for child safety, regulatory compliance and organisational risk.

A good understanding of Board Processes including
a respectful and constructive approach, confidence to contribute your perspective and support for collective Board decision-making.

Above all, you will demonstrate integrity, accountability and a genuine commitment to BPA Early Learning’s purpose and the safety, rights and best interests of children.

Your Contribution

This is more than an opportunity to attend Board meetings.

We are looking for Board Members who are prepared to be actively engaged in BPA’s governance and who can bring expertise, curiosity, independent thinking and constructive challenge to Board discussions.

You will help ensure BPA continues to operate with strong governance, financial discipline and accountability while remaining focused on delivering quality outcomes for children and families.

Commitment

Board meetings are usually held 6–8 times per year, with the majority conducted virtually. Board Members are expected to prepare thoroughly for meetings and actively contribute to Board discussions and decision-making.

Board Members may also serve on one or more Board Committees, including:

• Finance Committee
• Child Safety, Risk and Compliance Committee
• Governance, Remuneration and Nominations Committee

Board Members also participate in annual strategy and governance review activities.

The appointment is for an initial two-year term, with eligibility for reappointment in accordance with BPA Early Learning’s Constitution.

This is a paid Board position.

Diversity and Inclusion

BPA Early Learning values the different perspectives, experiences and backgrounds that contribute to effective governance and decision-making.

We encourage applications from people of diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people with disability, and people with lived experience relevant to the communities we serve.

How to Apply

To express your interest, please submit:

• A current CV; and
• A brief covering letter of no more than two pages outlining the reasons for your interest in joining BPA Early Learning’s Board and the skills, experience and perspective you would bring.

to Chris Booton, BPA’s Secretary, at [email protected].

Successful candidates will be required to meet BPA Early Learning’s governance and child safety requirements, including relevant checks and Board Member obligations.

Use your experience to help shape the future of BPA Early Learning and make a lasting contribution to children, families and communities.