Tasmanian Health Senate - Chair and Deputy Chair - position statement

The Tasmanian Health Senate is a respected advisory group that brings together individuals from across the health service, from clinicians to consumers from across the state, to provide leadership and independent advice to the Secretary Department of Health (DoH) on system-wide healthcare planning and delivery.

The Tasmanian Health Senate will consider system-wide priorities that affect access, quality, safety, efficiency, and sustainability of health services to formulate advice that is informed, impartial and integrated to enhance patient care and health outcomes.

The Tasmanian Health Senate functions under the authority of the Secretary DoH and is supported by the Minister for Health.   

The Tasmanian Health Senate will include around 50 members from around the state with appropriate expertise, experience and skills from across the health system.  This will enable a broad and diverse perspective when discussing a range of health matters and providing recommendations and advice.  Membership will be diverse across gender, age, career stage and cultural background.  It is also important that members represent geographical areas across the state, including a regional, rural and remote spread.

Appointment

The Chair of the Tasmanian Health Senate and Steering Committee is appointed by the
Secretary DoH.  Appointment is for a three year period, with the option to extend for a second term. 

The Deputy Chair of the Tasmanian Health Senate and Steering Committee is appointed by the Secretary DoH.  Appointment is for a two year period, with the option to extend for a second term.  This term is staggered with the Chair for continuity of membership.

The Chair and Deputy Chair will both have the option to extend a term at the end of their initial appointment.  If either member does not wish to extend or resigns prior, this should be expressed in writing to the Secretary DoH, providing at least four weeks’ notice.

Expression of interest process

Applications close on 9 October 2022.

Apply to become a member of the Tasmanian Health Senate

General duties and responsibilities

The Chair will be an experienced and respected leader who has the capacity to facilitate a large and diverse group and influence across the health system. 

The Chair will report to the Secretary DoH. 

The Chair’s roles and responsibilities are to:

• Represent and be the key spokesperson for the Tasmanian Health Senate and Steering Committee, which may include attending meetings or forums as appropriate.
• Be responsible for leadership and oversight of the Steering Committee and Tasmanian Health Senate to ensure both groups are working in line with key roles and responsibilities and the Operational Framework.
• Build and maintain relationships with those in the Tasmanian Health Senate, the Steering Committee, governance structure and beyond.
• Chair the Tasmanian Health Senate and Steering Committee meetings.
• Overseeing member appointments to the Tasmanian Health Senate. 

In the absence of the Chair, the Deputy Chair shall assume any roles of the Chair. 

As a Chair or Deputy Chair you will:

• Be able to demonstrate a passion for a strong and engaging leadership style and an ability to demonstrate effective relationship management skills.
• Have a proven record of exemplary professional behaviour and effectively working with colleagues, faculty, staff, patients and other professionals with honesty, sensitivity, integrity, respect and without bias.
• Have interpersonal skills that engender the trust, cooperation and confidence of others.
• Be capable of identifying, influencing and implementing improvements; leading and working effectively in teams; and able to collaborate well with a wide range of people with varying knowledge, expertise and experience or lived experience.
• Have a strong focus on accountability with evidence of being able to initiate, complete and evaluate programs of work.

Lastly, the commitment you make as a Chair or Deputy Chair is to:

• Provide time for preparation and attendance for up to three Tasmanian Health Senate meetings per year and up to six Tasmanian Health Senate Steering Committee meetings per year.

For members of the Tasmanian Health Senate who are not participating through a paid role or paid employment, or who are forgoing their regular income to participate please refer to the Remuneration and Reimbursement Guidelines.