JARED BROTHERSTON
Non-Executive Director, HeartKids Limited
Awarded a Bankwest Foundation / AICD scholarship for Company Directors Course, May 2018
What sort of work does your organisation do?
HeartKids is a national not-for-profit charitable organisation that seeks to act as the ‘compass’ to help the 64,000 Australian children, teens and adults affected by congenital/childhood heart disease navigate their lifelong journey. Our aim is to help them, and their families, to lead the most fulfilling life possible and to reach their personal goals. HeartKids is the voice for all people impacted by congenital/childhood heart disease - the largest cause of infant death in Australia. Our work is focused on our four pillars of Advocacy, Information, Research and Support.
Describe a typical day's work.
A ‘typical day’ as a non-executive director of HeartKids could involve anything from attending an interstate Board meeting (HeartKids is a national charity with a centralised board that meets bi-monthly, with meeting venues rotated around the States), contributing to a strategy session focused on the future direction of the organisation, attendance at fundraising meetings and functions, or providing on-the-ground assistance at community-based or in-hospital events.
What were some of the key learnings from the Company Directors Course? The AICD CDC gave me an appreciation and realisation that I had allowed my skill levels and knowledge and understanding of contemporary best practice corporate governance slip. The course was therefore much more than a governance refresher; it was a kick in the pants to ensure I remain current on such matters in the future. The course provided some good, deep personal insights into my personal delivery style, and the manner in which that style may appear to others around the board table. It has bolstered my financial literacy and provided some helpful tips and tricks regarding Board level analysis of management accounts. How has it impacted / changed / benefited your role and your organisation as a whole?
The immediate impacts and benefits to HeartKids include a renewed level of vigour, and a heightened sense of focus as to what value I can (and conversely what I cannot) deliver to the organisation. The course has helped me become more aware of my particular boardroom style, and how that may be perceived by others. Having this newfound knowledge has enabled me to adapt my delivery style to foster more efficient board meetings and smoother decision-making.
How did you come to be working in the not-for-profit sector?
I have been involved in various NFPs in both Australia and New Zealand since commencing my working life. For me, participation (mostly voluntary) in the NFP sector is a critical part of civil service or ‘giving back’ to the wider community in which I, and my family, choose to live.
What do you feel is most needed to sustain and build the impact of the not-for-profit sector?
There is a clear need for consolidation in the not-for-profit sector. Whilst the industry is full of worthy causes, the all-elusive charitable dollar is becoming hard to secure. Additionally, the governance requirements and reporting regime of the not-for-profit sector could benefit from a review and revamp. A desirable outcome being more tailored and streamlined compliance processes that are easily understood and less burdensome for not-for-profit entities.
What is something interesting / unique / unusual about you?
Whilst not overly interesting, unique or unusual...I am a Kiwi. And after 11 years of being based in Perth, I still support the All Blacks. Sorry! I have been accused of being an avid collector of licenses for various vehicles that I rarely seem to use. In addition to a car license, I hold licenses for: trucks, forklifts, elevated work platforms, skipper’s ticket, private pilot’s licence...
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