Prospectus – Director, Australian Podiatry Association
Introduction
Welcome to the Australian Podiatry Association (APodA). As a prospective Board director, you can help shape the future of podiatry in Australia. This prospectus explains our strategy, what the director role involves, the responsibilities you hold to members and the profession, the impact you can make, and the professional development available to you.
Your role in achieving our strategic plan
As a Board director, you help set APodA’s direction and oversee the delivery of our strategic plan. You champion our purpose, vision and values, and make sure the organisation stays focused on what matters most to members and the profession.
Our purpose – Move and thrive through life
Our purpose is our “why”: to help people move and thrive through life. We do this by supporting podiatrists at every stage of their career—whether they are clinicians, researchers, educators, innovators or leaders—so they can deliver the best possible care for their patients. We also aim to create a workplace and volunteer environment where our people can grow, contribute and thrive.
Our vision – Amazing podiatry always
Our vision is our end goal: amazing podiatry always. We work towards high-quality, accessible and equitable podiatric care for everyone who needs it. We do this by putting members and customers at the centre of our work, and by delivering professional development, practical resources, strong advocacy and a connected podiatry community.
Our values
Our values describe the behaviours we expect from our team. They guide how we work with members, customers and each other.
- Dream big, be brave.
- Better together.
- We listen, we act, we care.
- Inspire growth, champion potential.
- Personal responsibility leads us to collective excellence.
Our strategic drivers
Our strategic drivers are the priorities that guide our work. Each driver has a clear, measurable objective.
| Driver | Objective |
|---|---|
Customers and partners |
Achieve engaged and active representation from all areas of the profession and industry. |
People experience |
Cultivate a high-performing and thriving team. |
Systems and technology |
Ensure our systems enable a seamless experience for both our people and our customers. |
Communications and influence |
Establish APodA as the most trusted voice within the profession and beyond. |
Future proofing the profession and the business |
Foster agility and sustainable growth within the profession and the APodA. |
Importance of the role
APodA directors help shape the future of podiatry in Australia. Your role is to provide strong governance, keep the organisation focused on its strategy, and support APodA to remain relevant and responsive to members and the wider podiatry community.
Duty to members and the broader profession
Your primary duty as a director is to APodA and its members. This includes representing member interests, listening to concerns, and ensuring APodA delivers valuable services and support. You also have a responsibility to the broader profession by promoting high standards, supporting professional development, and advocating for policies that benefit both practitioners and patients.
The importance of giving back
Serving on the Board is a practical way to give back to the profession. Your time and expertise help strengthen the podiatry community, support colleagues, and improve care for patients. Your contribution can influence the direction of the profession and encourage others to get involved.
Impact of being on the board
As a Board director, you can influence APodA’s priorities and the issues that matter to podiatrists. This may include shaping policy and advocacy, guiding education and professional development, and working with other leaders to address challenges across the profession.
Professional growth and development
The director role builds skills in governance, strategy and leadership, and can support your broader career goals. You will also build relationships with other professionals and learn from their experience. APodA supports director education, and you may be able to access formal governance training that is fully or partly subsidised.
Time commitment
The expected time commitment includes:
- Board meetings: at least 6 per year (mainly online), plus at least one face-to-face meeting each year.
- Meeting length: usually 2–4 hours, typically outside regular work hours.
- Preparation: read and be familiar with Board papers.
- Expenses: APodA covers reasonable travel and meeting-related costs for required face-to-face meetings.
Directors may also take part in Board committees from time to time, such as the Audit and Risk Committee, the Nominations Committee, the Governance and Policy Committee, and other special-interest committees.
Overall, you can expect to commit around 4–6 hours per month (excluding travel for face-to-face meetings). This is a voluntary role, and directors are not paid.
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Director competencies and skills
The skills and attributes below describe what helps directors succeed. You are not expected to have every skill from day one—APodA may support director training to build capability and strengthen your contribution.
Competencies and skills
APodA also welcomes candidates who can strengthen the Board’s overall mix of experience, including in:
- Digital health and technology governance
- Cybersecurity oversight (including privacy and information security risk)
- Policy and regulatory experience
- Commercial strategy experience (including growth, partnerships and sustainable revenue)
- Government relations and advocacy
- Director responsibilities (legal, ethical and fiduciary)
- Strategic thinking (constructive challenge)
- Financial literacy (read and interpret reports)
- Legal and compliance awareness
- Risk management (identify and manage key risks)
- People leadership and change (engagement and communication)
- Podiatry and health sector knowledge
Personal attributes
- Integrity (ethical, independent and accountable)
- Collaborative and courageous (asks questions)
- Emotional intelligence (listens and communicates well)
- Commercial judgement (synthesises complex information)
- Active contribution (prepared and engaged)
Joining the APodA Board is a significant commitment, and a rewarding way to support the profession and improve patient care. We strongly encourage candidates from culturally diverse backgrounds, candidates with multilingual capabilities, and those with public health leadership or digital health governance experience to consider nominating.
If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out via email at ceo@podiatry.org.au. We look forward to your potential involvement and the positive impact you can make as a director of the APodA.
