Skillset skills-based board application process

About Us

Skillset is a not-for-profit organisation committed to creating life-changing opportunities for people and communities across Regional NSW. Through employment, apprenticeship and traineeship, career development and education services, we support individuals to build skills, confidence and pathways to success.

Our 2025-2028 Strategic Plan is focused on three key areas:

• Becoming an Employer of Choice: we value the passionate individuals who choose to be a part of the Skillset community
• Providing Service Excellence: we deliver high quality services which meet the needs of individuals and our communities
• Being a Trusted Partner: we nurture new and existing, mutually-beneficial partnerships which enable our success.

Skillset has enjoyed the invaluable membership of the following organisations since its inception in 1982:

• Bathurst Business Chamber
• Bathurst Regional Council
• Blayney Shire Council
• Business Orange
• Lithgow City Council
• Orange City Council
• Parkes Shire Council

Why Join Skillset?

As a Director of Skillset you will:

• Impact your community: Use your skills and experience on a Not-for-Profit Board, making a positive impact in the community. 
• Expand your skills: We support Directors through a structured induction program, ongoing learning opportunities and regular Board performance evaluations. As part of a skills-based Board, you'll broaden your expertise in governance, strategy and leadership while building valuable professional connections.
• Create a lasting legacy: help create life-changing opportunities for people and communities across regional NSW. 
• Receive remuneration: Directors of the Skillset Limited Board are remunerated and reimbursed for Board-related costs such as travel.

About the Role

Directors are responsible for governing the organisation, setting its strategic direction, overseeing financial and organisational performance, managing risk, ensuring legal compliance, and supporting the CEO and leadership team to achieve our purpose.

The Skillset Board is made up of a maximum of nine Directors who are appointed by Member Organisations. Directors are appointed for a term of three years and may nominate for re-appointment to serve up to three consecutive terms.

This role is not just about governance; it’s about being a catalyst for change and a champion for our staff and community. Director responsibilities include:

• Leading with passion and purpose, guiding strategic direction and ensuring we stay true to our mission.
• Providing strategic oversight and support to the CEO and leadership team
• Supporting the organisation to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
• Ensuring legal compliance and adherence with relevant governance requirements. 
• Attending quarterly, full-day Board Meetings held in Bathurst, NSW.
• Participating in committee work, as required.
• Acting as an ambassador for the organisation in the community and participating in relevant events and activities.

The Ideal Director

We are seeking directors who are passionate about strengthening regional communities and helping shape the future of education, workforce development and employment pathways.

We are seeking Director candidates who demonstrate:

• A genuine commitment to Skillset's purpose and values.
• A strong understanding of governance and fiduciary responsibilities.
• The ability to bring strategic vision, exercise sound judgement, and lead with integrity.
• Strong collaboration, communication and interpersonal skills.

To maintain a high-performing skills-based Board, we are seeking candidates who can strengthen the Board's collective capability through expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Work, Health and Safety
• People and Culture
• ICT Strategy and Governance
• Education, training and employment pathway expertise.

We are committed to maintaining Board representation across our Central West NSW Member communities and welcome applications from residents throughout the region. While applications from all Central West communities are encouraged, particular interest is sought from candidates residing in the Lithgow or Parkes local government areas.

We make merit-based decisions and seek a Board that reflects the diverse community we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and recognise the value that diverse perspectives bring to effective governance.

Recruitment Process

The recruitment process is undertaken by the Corporate Governance Committee (a committee of the Board) to identify suitable candidates to put forward to our Member Organisation Representatives for consideration.

This is a skills-based process which will include assessment of applications (Application Form and Resume), shortlisting against the criteria for the position, interviews, reference and other probity checks.  The process aims to identify suitable applicants who meet the criteria for the ideal Director (outlined above) to recommend to Members.

Member Organisation Representatives consider and vote to appoint Directors at the Skillset Annual General Meeting, which is scheduled for Friday 27^th of November 2026.

Key Dates

• Wednesday, 2 September 2026 – Applications open
• Monday, 28 September 2026 – Applications close
• Tuesday 13 October 2026 – Interviews
• Thursday, 22 October 2026 – Skillset Limited Board meet to determine recommendation for Members.
• Friday 27 November 2026 – Skillset Limited AGM.

To Apply

If you share our vision of creating life-changing opportunities for people and communities in regional NSW, we would love to hear from you.  

To express your interest, please send your resume and a completed Application Form to governance@skillset.com.au

Please click here to download our Application Form.

Prior to any offer, preferred candidates are required to undertake a thorough assessment process aiming to ensure that they are a suitable person. This may involve interview/s, Criminal History Check, Working with Children Check, ID checks and reference checks.