Published 3 August 2026
Royal Life Saving Society - Australia is inviting applications from candidates interested in serving as independent directors on its National Board.
The organisation’s strategic framework is centred on eliminating drowning and empowering communities to be safe around water.
Royal Life Saving Australia works nationally with State and Territory member organisations, governments, industry, community partners, and the wider water safety sector.
Its work spans drowning prevention leadership, research, advocacy, education, swimming and water safety, safety system development, and partnerships that support the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030.
About the role
Directors play a central role in governing the organisation and guiding its long-term strategic direction. The Board is responsible for the conduct of Royal Life Saving Australia, and directors are expected to contribute actively to strategy, oversight, accountability, and stewardship.
The role will suit candidates who can operate at board level, engage constructively in collective decision-making, and bring a combination of professional expertise, sound judgement, and commitment to public purpose. Prior experience in board, committee, executive, professional advisory, regulatory, or major stakeholder environments will be well regarded where it supports effective governance contribution.
This is a voluntary role, with no director remuneration other than approved out-of-pocket expenses in accordance with the Constitution.
Priority skills and experience sought
Based on the 2026 Board skills assessment and the Nominations Committee's review, Royal Life Saving Australia is seeking candidates who strengthen the Board in the following areas:
- Commitment to mission: a genuine, demonstrated commitment to eliminating drowning and empowering communities to be safe around water, underpinning all other capabilities sought.
- Accounting and finance: experience in accounting, audit, finance, investment, financial controls, stewardship, or oversight of financial sustainability.
- Law and regulation: experience in legal practice, regulation, governance, compliance, contracts, statutory obligations, or organisational risk.
- Governance and strategy: board, committee, or senior leadership experience that supports governance, strategy, member-based decision-making, and long-term organisational effectiveness.
Diversity and lived experience
Royal Life Saving Australia is committed to a Board composition that reflects the communities it serves and supports a nationally relevant and inclusive governance approach. Applications are especially encouraged from candidates who bring lived experience or sustained connection with multicultural communities, regional and remote communities, and younger cohorts, consistent with the perspectives highlighted in the Board skills matrix.
Applications are also welcomed from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates, people with disability, and candidates whose background, lived experience, or community leadership would strengthen the Board's understanding of groups and places disproportionately affected by drowning or barriers to water safety participation.
Selection criteria
Applicants should address the following criteria in their application:
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission, purpose, and strategic direction of Royal Life Saving Society Australia, including a clear interest in drowning prevention, water safety, community impact, and public benefit.
- Demonstrated ability to contribute effectively at board level, including sound judgement, integrity, preparation, constructive participation, and capacity to work within a collective governance framework.
- Strong understanding of governance, strategy, risk, and organisational stewardship, gained through board, executive, advisory, regulatory, or equivalent leadership experience.
- Significant expertise in at least one of the priority recruitment areas: accounting and finance, or law and regulation is highly desirable.
- Capacity to contribute to the diversity of the Board through lived experience, community connection, geographic perspective, or experience with populations and communities that the organisation is seeking to better reflect, particularly multicultural communities, regional communities, and younger people.
- Ability to support respectful, values-based relationships with members, stakeholders, partners, and the broader water safety ecosystem.
Application process
Applicants should submit:
- A cover letter.
- A current curriculum vitae.
- A short statement addressing the selection criteria.
The Nominations Committee is responsible for managing the process to identify, assess, and recommend suitable candidates for director vacancies, using the Board's needs, skills matrix, and diversity requirements as the basis for assessment. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to a discussion or interview and may be subject to reference and governance checks as part of the final recommendation process.
Enquiries can be made to Dr Justin Scarr, Chief Executive Officer, via jscarr@rlssa.org.au.
Applications should be emailed to board@rlssa.org.au.
Closing date for applications is Monday 17 August 2026
