Member – Mental Health and Wellbeing Interim Regional Bodies

About the board
In its final report, the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System (the Commission) recommended a new regional governance and commissioning approach as part of its vision for a responsive and integrated mental health and wellbeing system.
The Commission recommended the establishment of eight Interim Regional Bodies (IRBs), to provide advice to the Mental Health and Wellbeing Division (MHWD) in the Department of Health (the department) as it plans, develops, coordinates, funds, and monitors a range of mental health and wellbeing services in each region.
The IRBs are pivotal for providing executive leadership in decision making and policy advice. They will identify key strategies, trends, and issues and provide policy advice to the department in how best to reform the current mental health service system.
This will generally involve:

• Building relationships with service providers and establishing strong community participation processes in each region.
• Engaging with the department, health services (including area mental health and wellbeing services across age ranges), Health Service Partnerships, local communities, and other stakeholders such as lived experience peak bodies and Non–Governmental Organisations (NGOs) on matters relating to regional governance development and planning.
• Assisting the department to establish a multiagency panel in each region to coordinate the delivery of multiple mental health and wellbeing services for people living with psychological distress or mental health issues and/or substance use, including children and young people, who may require ongoing intensive treatment, care, and support.
• Working with the department to develop and implement frameworks to transition to the legislated Regional Boards.

 
The eight IRBs will have the same overarching roles and functions, as set out in the Terms of Reference. To determine local community needs and priorities, IRBs will engage with local communities, people with lived experience of psychological distress or mental health issues and/or substance use, people with lived experience as a family member, or carer or supporter, health services, and other service providers and NGOs.
Each interim regional body will consist of a Chair and five members.
 
About the role
The IRB Members (Members), together with the Chairs, are the forefront of the Commission’s vision for regional governance and commissioning in Victoria. They will have a pivotal role establishing regional planning systems by leading engagement with stakeholders and communities (including people with lived experience of psychological distress or mental health issues and/or substance use and people with lived experience as a family member, carer or supporter) and planning for the transition to Regional Boards.
In addition to the above responsibilities of the IRBs, members will be expected and supported to:

• Conduct regular engagement with relevant stakeholders and communities on matters relating to regional mental health and wellbeing governance and planning.
• Work with the department to plan a seamless transition from IRBs to Regional Boards.
• Provide high-level, authoritative and expert advice on the system design and delivery of system-wide reform and continuous improvement of mental health services in Victoria
• Lead sensitive negotiations with sector leaders and stakeholders about reform to mental health services across Victoria.
• Work in collaboration with diverse stakeholders including other members of the IRB, the department, regional allied health services and the Victorian Community.

 
Who we’re looking for
Expressions of Interest are sought for Member positions for Victoria’s eight new Interim Regional Bodies. The bodies will advise the Victorian Government on the mental health and wellbeing services and supports that their region needs. Each interim regional body will consist of a Chair and five members who will bring a deep understanding of the diverse mental health needs, challenges, and strengths of their regions.
The Members will be appointed by the Deputy Secretary, Mental Health and Wellbeing Division and will lead the activities of each IRB. They are selected for their skills, experience, and competencies that they have developed from their personal and professional activities. They will be Australian citizens or permanent residents and preferably members of the Victorian public.
If you are committed to ensuring all Victorians have access to the mental health and wellbeing services they need, we encourage you to consider this opportunity.

What you need to apply
Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Should you wish to apply to be a member of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Interim Regional Bodies, please complete and provide the following documentation:

• An Expression of Interest letter, including a statement addressing the key selection criteria
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Completed Candidate Application Form

All documents are to be attached as Microsoft Office Word files.
Expressions of Interest close at Midnight on Sunday 1st May 2022
For further information please contact Sharyn Gowans from Fisher Leadership at 1300 347 437.