Board Chairperson

Make a lasting impact in Victoria's mental health sector by leading a values-driven organisation dedicated to supporting family, carers and supporters.

About Tandem

Tandem is the peak body and trusted voice of family, carers, and supporters of people experiencing mental health challenges in Victoria. We are a values-led organisation passionate about inclusion, integrity, respect, and collaboration. We advocate for system-wide reform by placing the voices and lived experiences of our members at the centre of policy, planning, and practice across the mental health sector. Our work ensures that family, carers and supporters are informed, included, and supported in their roles.

The Opportunity

Tandem is seeking an experienced and values-aligned Chairperson to lead our Board. This is an influential leadership opportunity to help guide Tandem's strategic direction, strengthen governance, and champion the voices of families and carers within Victoria's mental health system.

Reporting to the Board, the Chair will provide leadership, governance oversight, and professional support to the CEO. Together, the Chair and CEO represent Tandem publicly and play a key role in advocating for systemic reform and strong partnerships.

• Meetings are held every two (2) months and can be in person or joined virtually.

• The position is voluntary and for a 3-year term.

• Time requirement is estimated to be approximately 20 hours per month.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide effective leadership and direction to the Board in line with Tandem's purpose and values.

• Ensure governance excellence and compliance with relevant legislation and good practice principles.

• Oversee strategic planning, decision-making, and Board performance.

• Maintain a collaborative and transparent relationship with the CEO, providing mentoring and support.

Who we are looking for

You will bring strong governance, leadership, and communication skills, together with a genuine commitment to advancing the interests of family and carer communities.

We are interested in hearing from those who demonstrate:

• Lived experience as a family member, carer, supporter or kin of a person with mental health challenges.

• Proven experience as a Board Chair or in another senior Board or executive leadership role.

• Deep understanding of governance in the not-for-profit sector.

• Experience in or strong connection to the mental health, community, or government sectors.

• Demonstrated capacity to foster collaboration, inclusion, and integrity in decision-making.

• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Qualifications in governance (e.g. GAICD, GICDA, MBA) will be highly regarded.

Elgibility

To be considered for this Board role, you must:

• Hold a current membership of Tandem Inc. or willingness to become a member,

• Live in Australia with valid working rights for the length of the term of engagement, and

• Meet legal requirements, including having a Director ID and completing any required police checks.

Why Join Tandem

This is an exceptional opportunity to make a tangible difference in mental health reform by ensuring the voices of carers, families and supporters remain central to system transformation. You will work alongside passionate and experienced Board members and a dedicated executive team, within a collaborative, purpose-driven culture.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Tandem values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment where everyone can thrive. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, members of LGBTQIA+ communities, and people with disability or lived experience of mental health challenges.

If you require any adjustments or accessibility supports during the recruitment process, please let us know — we are committed to ensuring an inclusive experience for all applicants.

How to Apply

For a full copy of the position description please email

Apply through LinkedIn or Ethical Jobs by COB Monday, 10 November 2025.

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation for applying.

Interviews: Friday 14th November

Appointment confirmed: 21 November

Announcement: At Tandem's AGM on 27 November