United Blind Leaders LTD

Expression of Interest

Co-opted Board Directors (2 positions)

Term: From appointment to the 2026 Annual General Meeting

United Blind Leaders (UBL) is seeking Expressions of Interest from blind or vision-impaired leaders to fill two co-opted Director positions on the UBL Board, serving until the 2026 Annual General Meeting.

These appointments form part of UBL’s ongoing commitment to strong, skills-based governance and lived-experience leadership, following a recent review of the Board’s skills matrix.

About United Blind Leaders

United Blind Leaders LTD is a blindness-led organisation and international movement advocating for blind and vision-impaired people to govern, lead and shape the organisations, systems and decisions that affect our lives.

UBL is incorporated in Australia as a company limited by guarantee. It operates in Australia and internationally, working alongside global allies and partners to advance blind leadership and influence change at local, national and global levels.

We are values-driven, unapologetically committed to lived experience, and grounded in the principle of Nothing About Us Without Us.

Purpose of Co-option

Under the UBL Constitution, the Board may co-opt up to three additional Directors to address identified skills gaps or strategic priorities between Annual General Meetings.

Following analysis of the Board’s current skills matrix, UBL is seeking to strengthen capability in specific areas to support organisational sustainability, influence and impact as we move into the next phase of growth.

Skills and Experience Sought

Applicants should be blind or vision-impaired, 18 years or older and bring demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • Finance, audit or risk management (including budget oversight, financial literacy or compliance)

  • Legal, regulatory or governance expertise (including constitutional, charity or not-for-profit governance)

  • Fundraising, philanthropy or grant development

  • Strategic partnerships, alliances or international engagement

  • Organisational growth, scaling or change management

  • Media, communications or public influence at a strategic level

Strong alignment with UBL’s purpose and values, and a commitment to blind leadership are essential.

International Applicants

UBL is an international movement, and Expressions of Interest are warmly welcomed from blind or vision-impaired leaders living outside Australia, provided applicants are able to participate effectively in online Board meetings and governance activities.

What Board Members Do

In line with the UBL Board Charter, Directors are collectively responsible for:

  • Setting and stewarding UBL’s strategic direction

  • Upholding strong governance, ethical leadership and financial oversight

  • Supporting the organisation’s sustainability, credibility and growth

  • Acting as ambassadors for blind leadership and UBL’s mission

  • Contributing skills, insight and judgement to Board decision-making

Board members are not expected to be operational volunteers, but may choose to contribute to specific projects or portfolios aligned with their expertise.

Note: As UBL is not currently in receipt of funding and operates with the support of its founders at this time, Board roles are voluntary. However, given our publicly stated commitment to paying blind leaders, this policy may be revisited once the organisation is on a more sustainable footing.

Time Commitment

  • Board meetings are generally held monthly (currently online)

  • Additional time for preparation, sub-committees or strategic work as required

  • Term runs until the 2026 AGM, with eligibility to nominate for election if desired

UBL recognises the value of lived-experience leadership and is committed to respectful, accessible participation.

Who Should Apply

We strongly encourage Expressions of Interest from:

  • Blind or vision-impaired people with governance or senior leadership experience

  • People from diverse backgrounds, including First Nations people and those with intersectional lived experience

  • Leaders who may not have previously served on a board but bring strong strategic capability and insight

How to Apply

Expressions of Interest should be submitted in Word format and include:

  • A brief statement (up to 1,000 words) outlining:

    • Your interest in joining the UBL Board

    • Relevant skills and experience

    • How your lived experience informs your leadership

    • Your connection to the blind community

  • A short CV or biography

Please also advise of any access requirements.

EOIs close on 20 February and should be emailed to:
unitedblindleaders@gmail.com

Enquiries

For further information or an informal discussion, please contact:
John Simpson, Chair
0407 308 706

Selection Process

EOIs will be reviewed by a subcommittee of the UBL Board against identified skills needs and constitutional requirements. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to a conversation with Board members prior to co-option.