Request for Expression of Interest for Synod Board 2024

Board formation and role

The 2021 NSW Synod approved the Future Directions for the People of God on the Way which include a commitment to simplify Synod governance.

The Synod Standing Committee (SSC) is responsible for leading the Synod between the 18 monthly Synod meetings. In July 2021, it identified that simplifying Synod structures would be best served by creating the Synod Board to support SSC in its complex leadership role. Some guiding principles taken from the relevant SSC document include:

• Current boards, except for Uniting (and … UFS), would transfer their responsibilities to one Synod board that reports to the SSC.
• This would create the space for the SSC to address core issues of growth, discipleship and reshaping our Church by liberating the SSC from regulatory and compliance governance responsibilities.
• The SSC would develop the Synod’s overall direction and the key desired outcomes for approval by Synod (e.g.Future Directions). The SSC and Synod Board would co-create the Synod’s strategy based on this direction and outcomes. The Synod Board would implement the co-created strategy, overseen by the SSC.
• The Synod Board would be composed of members who have a deep understanding of the Uniting Church; as a group have the breadth of skills and experience in governing large, complex institutions; and can dedicate the significant time required to work across Synod activities at depth. The Synod Board would have sufficient mission and theological depth to ensure alignment with SSC.

The Synod Board is appointed by SSC to support it and reports regularly to SSC. It is critical that it retains a strong working relationship with SSC. Further information from the documents can be found below in Attachment A.

Board appointment

After an initial transitional Board was formed in 2021, the ongoing Board would be put in place in 2022 with a third of positions typically up for consideration each year.

The board must have a majority of members belonging to the Uniting Church. SSC set a list of relevant skills expected to be held by the board as a whole, as well as general individual requirements. (Attachment B)

Further Board information

A sample of substantive issues that have been on the agenda of the Synod Board include:

• Supporting a Resourcing Framework for Future Directions
• Reviewing progress of major projects including Future Directions
• Considering revised insurance arrangements in a difficult insurance market
• Improving Workplace Heath and Safety
• Moving Synod wide budgeting to a sustainable position

The Board is remunerated. All Board members are also requested to be (unremunerated) members of committees that support the Board’s operations.

Board Review

An interim review was conducted in 2023 which showed strong support for the Board’s effectiveness. As part of its original decision, SSC decided to conduct an external review of the effectiveness of the Board. This review has been further supported by Synod and is currently underway with outcomes to follow.

Your expression of Interest

Your expression of interest should include a CV with a cover letter that provides further detail on your interest and suitability for the role as outlined and should address the attached lists of skills and general individual requirements, as well as your involvement with the Uniting Church.

Malcolm Duncan (The Insight Group) has supported various boards of Synod in seeking directors in the past. Malcolm is supporting the Interview Panel with final recommendations to be considered by SSC. Responses should be sent to directly to Malcolm Duncan by email to: malcolmduncan@insgroup.com.au by close Monday 22 July.

Rev. Jane Fry
General Secretary
June 2024

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Attachment A

Attachment B

(a) specific skills that are relevant for the Synod Board, including expertise in:

1. Organisational Strategy and Leadership
2. Mission/ministry & theology
3. Community Services (iv) Finance/Capital Allocation
4. Investment/Banking
5. Property
6. Governance
7. Risk
8. (where possible) Legal, HR, IT and Marketing

(b) the following general matters:

1. an affinity with and understanding of the Uniting Church;
2. active experience in Christian mission and/or ministry
3. a commitment to following Christ;
4. commitment to fiduciary requirements;
5. financial and accounting literacy;
6. thorough understanding of risk and its management;
7. thorough understanding and commitment to the governance role;
8. analytical thinking capacity; (ix) capacity to operate as a team player;
9. capacity to devote time to the work of the Board; and
10. a commitment to ongoing improvement and effectiveness of the Board.