RSL Australia seeks Independent Chair for Nominations Committee
RSL Australia is inviting expressions of interest for the voluntary position of Independent Chair of its newly formed Nominations Committee.
This inaugural appointment offers an experienced governance leader the opportunity to play a key role in strengthening the organisation's Board capability, overseeing the identification and assessment of future Independent Directors, and supporting the long-term governance of one of Australia's largest and most respected veteran service organisations. See full details below, including how to apply. Applications close 4 August 2026.
Volunteer Governance Opportunity – RSL Australia Limited
Independent Chair — Nominations Committee
RSL Australia (RSLA) is the national governing body of the Returned Services League of Australia — one of Australia’s most enduring institutions, with more than 125 years of service to veterans and their families, 150,000 members, and 1,100 Sub-Branches across every state and territory.
RSLA is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified candidates (subject to the Independence definition set out in the Nominations Committee Charter) wishing to contribute to the growth and success of the national RSL body in a voluntary capacity as Independent Chair of the newly formed RSLA Nominations Committee. RSLA’s Board has recently established a Nominations Committee to specifically govern the identification, assessment and recommendation of candidates as Independent Directors to the Board. This position will be the inaugural Independent Chair of that Committee appointed for a fixed term and will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the governance of one of Australia’s most significant veteran service organisations.
About the role
Under its Constitution, RSLA is looking to appoint up to three (3) Independent Directors to its Board who bring skills, experience and perspectives that complement the Board’s existing membership structure. The Nominations Committee will lead this process: identifying, assessing, and recommending suitable candidates for appointment by the Board.
As a leading veteran organisation, RSLA is committed to having a diverse Board that maintains strong veteran lived experience and grassroots RSL knowledge while also ensuring the Board has the governance, financial and leadership capabilities required to oversee the federated structure on behalf of members. As the inaugural Independent Chair, this role is responsible for overseeing the functions of the newly formed Nominations Committee, namely to maintain the Board skills matrix and identify, assess and recommend candidates to fill Independent Director vacancies. The Chair is responsible for ensuring that independent judgment is brought to guide the skills competencies and experience required.
This is a fixed term role.
What you will bring
Knowledge and Skills
An appreciation of the veteran community, the ex-service organisation sector, or a demonstrated commitment to organisations supporting veterans and their families.
Demonstrated understanding and experience of governance requirements relating to the election, appointment and succession of Board Directors, particularly in a federated or member-based environment. Previous experience as a Nominations Committee Chair or in a comparable governance leadership role is highly desirable.
Past Board or Committee governance experience, with a proven understanding of contemporary governance principles and best practice.
Experience overseeing or contributing to Director recruitment, Board renewal and appointment processes, including assessing candidates against organisational needs and capability requirements.
Strong judgement in evaluating candidates' skills, experience, leadership qualities and cultural fit, ideally within federated or member-based organisations.
An understanding of governance succession planning and board capability frameworks. Executive search or professional recruitment experience is welcomed but not essential.
The ability to work collaboratively, impartially and effectively within a federated membership organisation, balancing the interests of members with the organisation's strategic governance needs.
Graduate or Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD or FAICD), or an equivalent governance qualification, with previous Board experience preferred.
Personal Attributes
Integrity, independence and sound judgement, with the ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive matters with discretion.
Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills, with the ability to build trust and foster constructive discussions among diverse stakeholders.
The ability to inspire confidence, encourage participation and achieve consensus while maintaining impartiality.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage respectfully and effectively with members, directors, volunteers and other stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
Strategic thinking and the ability to understand RSLA’s long-term governance needs, ensuring Director appointments align with the Board's capability requirements and the strategic objectives of the organisation.
A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with the confidence to provide independent advice and appropriately challenge where required.
A commitment to the principles of good governance, ethical leadership and continuous improvement.
Independence requirements
Complete independence from RSLA being that the external Independent Chair must not:
a) hold any executive, governance, or representative role within RSL Australia, a State Branch, or a Sub-Branch, including as President, Deputy President, director, committee member, or paid employee;
b) have a material financial relationship with RSL Australia or any State Branch, other than payment of ordinary membership subscription; or
c) have any other interest or relationship that, in the view of the Committee, would materially compromise their capacity to exercise independent judgment as a director of RSLA.
Expressions of interest
To express your interest, please send a brief cover letter and current CV to phil.winter@rsl.org.au. Applications close COB 4th August 2026.
Within our independence requirements, RSLA welcomes expressions of interest from veterans, serving members, and those with experience in the veteran service sector, as well as governance professionals who share our commitment to those who have served.