Consortium Chair

headspace centres are youth friendly environments that provide services across four core streams: primary health care, mental health, alcohol and other drug (AOD), and vocational services.

The Consortium Chair is a role independent from the Lead Agency (Lives Lived Well) which will lead the Consortium Advisory Committee effectively in its strategic, monitoring and stakeholder engagement activities to support the core strategic objectives of the headspace model, provide local context and support the lead agency. The Consortium Chair works closely with the Lead Agency, Centre Manager and Youth Co-Chair at and between consortium meetings.

Purpose & Membership of headspace Consortiums

The consortium's primary purpose is to ensure the delivery of integrated and holistic services tailored to meet the unique needs of the local community.

The consortium model is designed to:

• Promote investment in, and support for, the headspace centre from the community and relevant organisations.
• Facilitate the development and maintenance of partnerships, collaborations, and networks among local services, agencies, and stakeholders.
• Provide a platform for innovation in the way the headspace centre delivers support to young people.
  Enhance the sustainability and long-term viability of the headspace centre.

The consortium offers strategic guidance for the service and leverages local expertise across both clinical and non-clinical domains. The voice of Young People is ensured by representation from Youth Reference Groups, and where possible, the perspective of family and friends is represented by a family representative (preferably a user of the service but if not possible then by a family peer support worker).

Key responsibilities of the Consortium Chair

The key responsibilities of the Consortium chair will be to:

• Ensure focus on agreed strategic direction.
• Advise and support the Centre Manager.
• Ensure any conflicts of interest in consortium meetings and amongst members are acknowledged and addressed.
• Mentor Youth Co-Chair
• Support members of the Consortium to understand and carry out their roles, responsibilities and accountabilities; to build skills and capacities necessary for the Consortium Advisory Committee and to fulfil its obligations.
• Collaboratively (with the Centre Manager) set the agenda for and chair meetings ensuring business is conducted efficiently.
• Model and demonstrate constructive working relationships and information exchange within the consortium and across regional services.
• Continually build upon knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture, local multi-cultural communities, and the LGBTQIAP+ community, incorporating this understanding into consortium meetings and actions whenever possible.
• Ensure that Youth Advisory Committee members feel heard, and guests feel welcomed.
• Establish a constructive working relationship with the lead agency key staff.
• Ensure that the consortium represents the four core streams of headspace and have representation that includes a mix of skills and experience.
  Keep succession planning to the Chair role front-of-mind to ensure meeting continuity.

Selection Criteria

The following criteria must be met for consideration for this position:

Essential:

• Independence from the lead agency
• An interest in and commitment to the health and wellbeing of young people
• A high standing among stakeholder networks
• The skills necessary to effectively chair the consortium advisory committee in its strategic, monitoring and stakeholder engagement activities,
• An understanding of the principals of governance and meeting procedure
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to work with a broad range of people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
• A willingness and ability to mentor and support the youth representative from the reference group as a co-chair.
  Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a productive team member.

Desirable

A broad understanding of the mental health service system in Australia.

Role Requirements:

• This role is the Chair of the Consortium
• It is a volunteer position for a minimum 1 year and no longer than 2 years.
• Meetings are held on the Gold Coast, Queensland, therefore you must be able to attend meetings face to face.
  Meetings are held quarterly and will go for 2 hours.

How to Apply

Please contact Suzi Brendon for a copy of the Position Description or for more information about the role.

Please submit your application via the portal. Please include a cover letter outlining your experience and ability to meet the Selection Criteria.

Applications close on 31 October 2025 however we will be conducting interviews throughout the process and may close applications early.