Board of Directors Nominations Now Open

The Cancer Nurses Society of Australia Ltd (CNSA) is now calling for nominations for three (3) Elected Director positions. 

• Do you want to be at the forefront of Cancer Nursing in Australia?
• Be involved with decision-making that can impact the profession?
• Actively implement a thorough and robust Strategic Plan for the betterment of your peers?

If you've answered yes and are ready to bring your knowledge and enthusiasm to the fore, then we encourage you to nominate for the CNSA Board of Directors for a three year term. We have big goals and aspirations, but we can only do it with your support.

Selection Criteria:

• A Full Member or Life Fellow of CNSA member for a minimum period of three years, with experience in cancer nursing
• Excellent critical thinking, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated high levels of communication, consultation, facilitation, and negotiating skills, including report writing and presentation skills
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide leadership
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Demonstrated understanding of organisational finances and budget management.

Get involved!

If you are inspired to contribute towards the peak national body for cancer nurses, and you can commit time to this exciting opportunity, please consider submitting your nomination for the CNSA Board of Directors.

In accordance with the CNSA Constitution and By-laws, each nomination should include the following information, to be made available to Voting Members:

• A supporting statement to identify your particular knowledge, skills, and experience relevant to actively contributing to the governance and strategy of the CNSA (no more than 500 words)
• A short summary of current and/or previous contribution towards the CNSA and/or cancer control (no more than 200 words)
• A current Curriculum Vitae, including details of all and any qualifications, professional experience, and previous board/committee roles
• The names and contact details of two CNSA members to nominate and second your application 

Click here to complete the online EOI form. Completed forms and accompanying documentation should be lodged on or before 11:59pm AEST on 25 April 2025. Late or incomplete nominations will not be considered. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jemma Still, CNSA CEO, for more information at [email protected] or on 0424 540 566.

What are the duties of a Director?

The Board ‘sets the tone’ of the organisation, and the Director duties include:

• Driving CNSA's strategic direction, business planning and sustainability;
• Becoming familiar with the Constitution and By-laws, as well as the regular reports, policies, regulatory environment and operations of the organisation;
• Attending Board meetings – these include face-to-face meetings (about five days per year) and teleconferences (typically two hours every six weeks);
• Participating openly and respectfully in meetings with all in attendance;
• Spending additional volunteer time as required to fulfil the duties of their Board portfolio (typically 2 - 3 hours per week); and
• Acting as good stewards of CNSA, promoting the cancer nursing image, inspiring ethical behaviours in others and enhancing our reputation.

The costs of travel and accommodation for Board meetings are covered by CNSA

Director Number and Eligibility, and Election Process:

Your attention is drawn to Part D of the CNSA Constitution, according to which the Board will comprise up to nine (9) Elected Directors, and up to two (2) Appointed Directors, appointed in accordance with clause 38.1.

Only Full Members or Life Fellows of CNSA are eligible to be Elected Directors.

A person is not eligible to be a Director of CNSA if they are ineligible to be a Director under the Corporations Act 2001 or a responsible person under the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) Act 2012.

All CNSA Directors must be domiciled in Australia.

The procedures for nominations and election of Directors are determined by the Board and are outlined in the CNSA By-Laws.

If the number of nominations exceeds the number of vacancies to be filled, a ballot must be held prior to the Annual General Meeting (AGM), which may include an electronic ballot as determined by the Board. Results of an election will be announced at the AGM.

If insufficient nominations are received to fill all vacancies on the Board, or if the number of nominations is equal to the number of vacancies to be filled, the candidates nominated shall be declared elected at the AGM following the election, subject to the endorsement of each candidate by the Full Members by separate ordinary resolutions at that AGM. Any candidates who are not endorsed by the Full Members at that AGM following the election will not become Directors.

Powers of the CNSA Board and Duties of Directors:

The business and affairs of the CNSA is managed by or under the direction of the Directors. The Directors may exercise all powers and do all such things that may be exercised or done by the CNSA, except for anything that must be exercised in an AGM, as required by the Corporations Act 2001 or the CNSA Constitution.

The Board may delegate any of its powers and/or functions to one or more committees or any employee of the CNSA or any other person as the Board thinks fit.

In line with CNSA’s new governance structure, each CNSA Director is also responsible for a particular Board portfolio and may be required to participate in Board sub-committees.

Directors must comply with their duties as director under legislation and common law (judge-made law), and with the duties described in governance standard 5 of the regulations made under the ACNC Act.

We encourage nominees to apply for a Director ID at the time of nomination to ensure they are compliant with the Corporations Act.