MEDIA RELEASE - Friday, 12 August 2016

STATEMENT BY VFBV CEO ANDREW FORD ON THE ACTIONS OF THE CFA BOARD TO ADOPT THE UFU’S EBA ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON, 12 AUGUST 2016

Today is a day of infamy that will burn into the memory of every CFA volunteer.

It is the day that that a CFA Board decision, and those Board members who voted for it, betrayed volunteers and ignored their responsibility and obligations to the public of Victoria under the CFA Act and Victoria’s most successful emergency management arrangements.

This evening the CFA Board, made up of a majority Andrews Government-UFU ‘yes’ people accepted the UFU’s Enterprise Bargaining Agreement which will see the powers of the Chief Officer overridden, union interference with volunteer organisation, operations and support, and see volunteers treated as second class just because they are not paid.

The EBA fundamentally alters the nature of CFA organisation, operations and support for volunteers as required by the CFA Act and hands control of key activities within the organisation to the Fitzroy based UFU as part of the grab for power by union secretary Peter Marshall.

The UFU have made no secret of their objective to replace urban volunteers with paid staff, members of the UFU – just look at their various inquiry submissions including the Black Saturday Bushfire Royal Commission for confirmation. They would relegate remaining volunteers to second class status.

Every inquiry and commission has dismissed these submissions and recognised the fundamental importance of the current CFA volunteer arrangements and the need to continually grow our volunteer capacity to keep pace with urbanisation and the growth of bushfire risk because of climate change.

But consideration of these issues was ignored by the majority of the current CFA Board and the Premier and Minister who pushed them to accept the infamous Andrews-Marshall industrial deal.

The fact that the majority succumbed to political lies, manoeuvring and pressure reflects badly on them in the manner they have exercised their duty as CFA Board members.

We say the Board members who supported this deal have ignored their statutory and fiduciary obligations under the CFA Act and Commonwealth corporate law. They must be held accountable for this failure.

After the sacking of the previous CFA Board for acting in a lawful and responsible way, a way that did not suit Premier Andrews and his dirty deal with Peter Marshall, together with the forced resignation of Emergency Services Minister Jane Garrett who acted with enormous integrity in support of CFA and its vital role, outstanding CFA CEO Lucinda Nolan and our Chief Officer Joe Buffone who concluded that the UFU agreement is destructive of CFA efficiency and effectiveness, who is left to defend the real CFA?

After recent sackings and resignations there is only the state’s 60,000 volunteers through their association – VFBV – to stand up for the real CFA and effective public safety services for Victorians.

We have instructed our legal team to take further action immediately to defend the CFA as an effective volunteer based fully integrated fire and emergency service.

Our legal action is unprecedented for volunteers, or in the emergency services – but the consultation process with the CFA has been a sham and our careful analysis ignored.

We now have no other choice if the real CFA is to be defended.

But our campaign to defend CFA will not end there.

Volunteers across the state are mobilising in their local communities and regions. They will make sure Victoria is ready for the summer fire season and at the same time develop local campaigns to mobilise their communities in support of our campaign to defend the real CFA.

Like in countless battles against fires which threaten life and property, CFA volunteers will not give up – it’s just not in our DNA

On behalf of the VFBV Board and volunteer leaders across CFA, it is with sadness and regret that I write to advise members that today Minister Merlino announced the sacking of the CFA Board, and shortly after this there was a separate announcement from CEO Lucinda Nolan, announcing her resignation effective immediately. This is a sad day for CFA and a sign of the incredibly challenging times we find ourselves in.

I don’t wish to mix messages about my disappointment in the Government’s move to sack the CFA Board nor the pressures that have led to CEO Lucinda Nolan deciding to resign with my thanks and praise for the work that all of these people have done for CFA during their time with us. But I certainly will have more to say about that concern elsewhere.

For now my message is thank you to each and every one of the CFA Board members for your contribution, your values and your efforts. We haven’t always agreed about every decision but certainly on this threshold issue of your stance to attempt to save CFA, you have been exemplary.

To Lucinda Nolan, CFA’s first ever female CEO, I know I speak for volunteers across the state with our admiration for your integrity, your openness and your strong leadership. There have been many challenges confronting CFA in recent years, and many described you as the bright light on the hill that was going to help us move forward in a terrific way. The work you were likely to do has been cut short and Victoria will be the worse off. Thank you in the short time you were here, you have left a strong mark on CFA and we won’t forget you.

Andrew Ford

VFBV Chief Executive Officer

*** URGENT ACTION REQUIRED – VFBV MUST PROVIDE A PANEL OF CFA BOARD CANDIDATES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE ***  

The State Government has dismissed the CFA Board and named five new Board Members. After the announcement, the Government called upon VFBV to provide candidates for the remaining four CFA Board positions, as required under the CFA Act.

We have just received a letter from the Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino, asking that VFBV provide a panel of candidates from which he will chose those four Board Members.

The Act places a time limit on this process, stating that “If the Board of Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria fails to submit a nomination for the purposes of subsection (4) within 30 days after receiving a request from the Minister to submit a nomination, the Governor in Council may after having regard to subsection (2) appoint a person or persons to be a member or members of the Authority for the purposes of subsection (4).”

Accordingly, it is vital that we identify, interview and select suitable candidates as soon as possible.  

The CFA Act requires that the four VFBV nominated members include two volunteer members of brigades predominantly serving urban communities and two volunteer members of brigades predominantly serving rural communities as per the CFA Act.

The CFA Act defines the appointment process for CFA Board Members to ensure the CFA Board has the skills and expertise required to operate as a high performing Board; to recognise and reinforce the importance of the Board possessing strong knowledge, expertise and understanding of CFA volunteerism; and prescribes the criteria for appointment to the Board as having knowledge of, or experience in, commercial, technical, operational, legal or financial matters; or expertise in fire or emergency management, land management or any other field relevant to the performance of the functions of the CFA.

CFA volunteers who believe they have the skills, experience and capacity to make a contribution to the Board of the CFA, and ensure that the CFA Board has both strong volunteer expertise, knowledge and an understanding of volunteerism, AND skills in commercial, technical, operational, legal or financial matters, are invited to apply for these vacancies. Past applicants can apply.

The CFA Board meets on a monthly basis and also operates a committee system which could require a commitment of one half day per month. Attendance at official functions is also expected.

Remuneration for a member of the CFA Board currently is $17,314 p.a.

Please disseminate this information through your own networks, and personally provide it to any potential candidates that you know.

The Victorian Government is committed to having Boards that are both highly effective and also reflective of the diverse communities we serve. VFBV shares this commitment. The Premier has expressed an objective for no less than 50% of all future appointments to paid government boards to be women, by November 2018. VFBV is seeking a strong panel of applicants, both men and women who are suitably qualified and experienced for the CFA Board role.

A Role Statement is available for download here (Updated 28 June 2016) or available from the VFBV office. For other relevant information, interested volunteers should contact VFBV at the contact details below.

Applications including a current resume and a summary of your skills, experience and achievements that will enable you to contribute to a CFA Board that requires collectively;

• expertise in commercial, technical, operational, legal and financial matters
• expertise in fire services, emergency management, land management and the functions of CFA, and
• expertise, knowledge and experience in CFA and CFA volunteering,

should be emailed or faxed to VFBV as soon as possible, AND BY NO LATER THAN 1700 HOURS, MONDAY, 4 JULY 2016, to Email: j.laingThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Fax 03 9886 1618.

Queries can be directed to Jenni Laing, on (03) 9886 1141 in the first instance.

VFBV is established under Victorian law, the Country Fire Authority Act, to represent the volunteers on all matters that affect their welfare and efficiency.

VFBV is made up of CFA volunteers – from individual members of Brigades, through their elected District Councils and State Councillors, to the VFBV Board. 

There are lots of roles for volunteers who want to contribute;

• Brigade Delegate – the ideal role for the younger member building their skills or the older member who is retiring from turning out but still wants to contribute
• District Council executive member
• Joint Committee member
• State Councillor
• Subject Matter Expert for Joint Committees
• VFBV Board Member
• Nominee to the CFA Board

All of these roles can be greatly rewarding, and former CFA Chair Claire Higgins recently offered great encouragement and an insight into the role of a Board Member, in a story in the March edition of FireWise.

From FireWise, March 2016

CONSIDER YOUR SKILLS FOR THE BOARD

By former CFA Chair Claire Higgins

I’ve missed being part of CFA since my resignation in September last year, so when Andrew Ford made contact with me recently to ask me to write this article, I jumped at the chance to make a contribution.

I was part of CFA for eight years. During this time I was fortunate to work with a number of volunteers who put their hand up to be part of the CFA Board, helping to ensure it has the necessary strong volunteer expertise, knowledge and an understanding of CFA volunteerism.

Whilst from very different walks of life, their contribution was always to promote volunteerism, represent their communities, and work for the best interests of CFA and the Victorian community.

When I think of the volunteer representatives I have worked with over the years on the Board, amongst others, I think of current board member Ross Coyle – a farmer and businessman, Michael Tudball – an executive at a municipal council, James Holyman – an executive within government, John Schurink – a former senior manager with Ambulance Victoria and executive member of ESTA, Paul Denham – with an expertise in project management and construction, Frank Zeigler – a businessman where safety is a core part of his business, and Peter Marke – with experience in community banking.

Each of the volunteer representatives came to the Board table with their experience, and they all came with a desire to work as a team, challenge the status quo and build a better CFA.

One thing that has struck me over time has been the lack of women. It’s a surprise because over the eight years I have come across many women CFA volunteers who are as ably skilled to contribute to the CFA Board. For example, as Board Chair, I met with a lady who was a volunteer, who in her day job, worked in the local health service. When I posed the question to her about putting her hand up to be part of the VFBV Board, or indeed the CFA Board, she was surprised that I thought that she would have the skill.

My message is, don’t underestimate your skill and your value. VFBV wants to build a pool of people that they can mentor and develop so that they can present a true representation of the depth of CFA volunteers – particularly women.

The CFA Board needs to be able to represent its community. VFBV and volunteers give the CFA the best opportunity to do this.

So from all walks of life, put your hand up, be bold, you won’t regret the journey on which you embark. You will be both challenged and rewarded for the experience.

I know Andrew Ford is keen to hear from interested prospective CFA and VFBV Board nominees, so please feel free to contact him at the VFBV office.

Invitation to apply for four VFBV Board vacancies – for a 2 year term until 1^st October 2018

Closing date for written applications is Monday 1^st August 2016

VFBV advances the interests of all Victorian fire brigade volunteers and advocates on their behalf to CFA and other key stakeholders. The VFBV Board drives policy development based on volunteer input and is involved in management of issues of central importance to all CFA volunteers.

Vacancies for Four Board Members will arise when the terms of Nev Jones, Andy Cusack, Bruce Pickett & Bill Maltby expire on 1^st October 2016; all members are eligible for re-appointment.

The term of appointment will be for two years and applications are invited from interested volunteers to be considered for these vacancies.

The role of a VFBV Board Member involves contributing to VFBV direction, policy determination and monitoring the performance and governance of the Association. Also actively contributing to policy discussion at Board Meetings, networking with others about policies and issues management, and not only making decisions but being prepared to actively advocate for the benefit of all CFA volunteers and ultimately the Victorian community.

A Board Member Role Statement including the key selection criteria is available from the VFBV office or website www.vfbv.com.au/index.php/about/vfbv/vfbvboard

This is an honorary position; no honorarium is paid.

If you are motivated by the prospect of making a difference for CFA volunteers, then send your written application addressing the key selection criteria in the role statement, plus an outline of your CFA activity including the names of two referees.

Applications must be lodged with VFBV by Monday 1^st August 2016.

to:          VFBV, P O Box 453, Mt Waverley 3149

                Tel: 9886 1141;   Fax: 9886 1618

                Email: j.laingThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Invitation to apply

Four VFBV Board vacancies – for a 2 year term until 1 October 2017

Closing date for written applications is Friday 31 July 2015

VFBV advances the interests of all Victorian fire brigade volunteers and advocates on their behalf to CFA and other key stakeholders. The VFBV Board drives policy development based on volunteer input and is involved in management of issues of central importance to all CFA volunteers.

Vacancies for Four Board Members will arise when the terms of Tom Brodie, Gary Lyttle, Mick Nunweek and Hans van Hamond expire on 1^st October 2015. Tom Brodie will retire on the expiration of his term on 1^st October 2015; all other members are eligible for re-appointment.

The term of appointment will be for two years and applications are invited from interested volunteers to be considered for these vacancies.

The role of a VFBV Board Member involves contributing to VFBV direction, policy determination and monitoring the performance and governance of the Association. Also actively contributing to policy discussion at Board Meetings, networking with others about policies and issues management, and not only making decisions but being prepared to actively advocate for the benefit of all CFA volunteers and ultimately the Victorian community.

Click here for a Board Member Role Statement including the key selection criteria.

This is an honorary position; no honorarium is paid.

If you are motivated by the prospect of making a difference for CFA volunteers, then send your written application addressing the key selection criteria in the role statement, plus an outline of your CFA activity including the names of two referees.

Applications must be lodged with VFBV by Friday 31 July 2015, to:       

VFBV, P O Box 453, Mt Waverley 3149

Tel: 9886 1141;   Fax: 9886 1618

Email: j.laingThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A message from the Board of Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria.

On Tuesday 18^th November, the Labor Party announced a policy that we believe will have grave and disastrous consequences for CFA.

As CFA volunteer firefighters with an average of over 40 years’ service each and as the elected board of the body established in Victorian law to be the voice of CFA volunteers, we feel the need to take this unprecedented action of activating all Victorians to help us stop a policy that has the potential to destroy CFA.

Our concern with the recently announced Labor policy is that it establishes external industrial interference with the CFA Chief Officer’s power to decide where and when and how he uses CFA firefighters.

We are also concerned that Labor’s policy will reduce CFA’s volunteer firefighting force by thousands of volunteers, pushing volunteers out of CFA stations and hundreds of CFA trucks off the road when we need them for major fires such as Black Saturday.

Labor has grossly underestimated the cost and impact of its policy.  Labor’s promise of $150M and an additional 350 paid firefighters actually only provides 70 additional paid firefighters on the ground at any one time under current paid firefighter rostering arrangements, and it will come at the expense of thousands of highly trained and professional volunteer firefighters.

We support and welcome additional paid support and resources for CFA, provided these resources are required and provided that the CFA determines the need, not a union.  Don’t be fooled, the plan announced by Labor is not about improving community safety in Victoria, the detail included in their announcement is about giving the control of CFA to a union.

Labor’s policy announcement includes specific provisions to surrender CFA operational decisions to an external industrial relations panel.

Instead of Labor’s policy, we need a plan that will recruit and train more CFA volunteer firefighters, provide trucks and equipment to combat fires and other incidents, investment in a modern firefighting fleet, give CFA the flexibility to deploy resources when and where they are needed and remove industrial control over how CFA uses its workforce.

Victoria is one of the most fire prone areas in the world and there are predictions of longer, hotter and more severe fire seasons ahead.  If Labor’s policy is allowed to push trained and experienced CFA volunteers out of fire stations across greater metropolitan Melbourne, Victoria will not have the fire fighting force it needs for day to day incidents and certainly will not have the force to deal with major incidents when they occur, such as Black Saturday.

When you vote on Saturday 29^th understand one thing, as some of Victoria’s most senior volunteer firefighters, we believe Labor’s policy for CFA is not good for CFA volunteers, is not good for Victoria and is not good for the future of CFA.
Signed;

All ten members of the VFBV Board. (The attached PDF copy includes all ten signatures)

A Message to the Labor Party

Dear (Labor) Member of Parliament,

This week the Board of Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria have taken the unprecedented step of publishing an open letter to the people of Victoria, to record their strong objection to Labor’s policy announcement of the 18^th November 2014 affecting the CFA.

The Board have not taken this decision lightly, and want you to understand the depth of despair and anger amongst volunteer ranks caused by Labor’s CFA policy - a policy that sweeps aside the role, discounts the work and ignores the rights of unpaid, hard-working and committed volunteers who make up over 97% of CFA’s 62,000 members and staff.

Make no mistake – this policy is a direct attack on CFA as a statutory volunteer based fire and emergency service where volunteers are supported by sufficient paid staff as expertly determined by the Chief Officer and who form a fully integrated workforce to deliver CFA services.

In 2011 Labor, Coalition and Green MPs in the Victorian Parliament unanimously voted to amend the CFA Act to explicitly recognise this long known fact.

Critical aspects of the amendment bill included:

• Statutory recognition of the Authority as a volunteer based organisation in which volunteers are supported by employees in a fully integrated manner ;
  
  
• Statutory recognition and acceptance of the Volunteer Charter which requires amongst other things that the Government and the Authority commits to meaningful consultation with the VFBV on behalf of CFA volunteers on any matter that might reasonably be expected to affect them;
  
  
• The statutory requirement that he Authority in performing its functions have regard to the commitment and principles set out in the Volunteer Charter; and,
  
  
• The statutory requirement that the Authority is responsible for developing policy and organisational arrangements that encourage, maintain and strengthen the capacity of volunteer officers and members to provide the Authority’s fire and emergency services.

The reason and purpose for these amendments were to set aside industrial arrangements introduced in the final years of the Brumby Government. Those arrangements failed to recognise that CFA and its services to the public are volunteer based and that the role of paid staff is to support such volunteers services as and when determined by the CFA’s Chief Officer and the Board of the Authority according to their statutory obligations.

Since these amendments, the CFA has fought and won cases in the Fair Work Commission and Federal Court that uphold its managerial and statutory responsibility to determine paid staff numbers and allocations within the organisation including its brigades on a needs basis as determined by the Chief Officer.

The CFA model recruits and integrates paid firefighters into volunteer brigades where they are needed to support the delivery of CFA services.

Labor’s policy axes this approach - it takes away the Chief’s role of determining these matters based on expertise and transfers it to an industrial board of reference. Further, it eliminates local volunteers and their state representatives from having any input into these decisions, despite their knowledge and experience.

This new Labor policy will have significant impacts upon CFA’s future and inevitably lead to a dramatic increase in costs to Victorians without any increase in public safety.

VFBV are deeply opposed to your support for the reinstatement of the previously short lived industrial board of reference. It changes the successful nature of the CFA as an organisation (which was consistently lauded by the Bushfire Royal Commission). It is an egregious attack on the independence and statutory powers of CFA’s Chief Officer. Decision making on key staffing issues is perverted from a critical operational matter to a matter of industrial negotiation.

To be clear, volunteers consider the office of the Chief Officer to be sacrosanct, and any attack on the independence and statutory authority of their Chief will be met with fierce and unrelenting resistance.

VFBV met with shadow Minister Wade Noonan last week following the announcement to express its concern and dismay at the policy. Nothing was provided during or since that meeting to allay our fears and we remain deeply concerned.

It was under the Bracks Labor Government that the Volunteer Charter was negotiated and signed by Steve Bracks as Premier, the CFA Chairman and the volunteer representatives. We now find that you have turned your back on the principles and values you told us were an enduring commitment. Volunteers have every right to feel aggrieved. Quite rightly, as the word spreads - volunteers will see your Party’s policy as a betrayal to the trust and respect afforded to you by CFA volunteers.
Sincerely,

Andrew Ford
Chief Executive Officer

UPDATED 13 MAY 2014

A CFA Act amendment Bill currently before Parliament will refine the appointment process for CFA Board Members to give CFA a skills-based Board rather than one based on representation of stakeholders.

<See below for official advertisements and role statements for nominees>

The changes to the CFA Act are designed to ensure the CFA Board has the skills and expertise required to operate as a high performing Board.

They recognise and reinforce the importance of the Board possessing strong knowledge, expertise and understanding of CFA volunteerism.

Significantly, the changes also recognise VFBV’s crucial role, by retaining our role of submitting a panel of names from which four of the nine CFA Board members will be selected by the Minister.

Retaining volunteer involvement at CFA Board level is important for all CFA volunteers and a terrific achievement for VFBV, signifying respect for the role that VFBV performs.  VFBV and the Government are the only bodies named in the proposed amendments to the CFA Act as nominating CFA Board members.

The proposed change to the CFA Act reaffirms the role of volunteers at every level of CFA’s decision making, and is in line with VFBV’s thinking that an extensive knowledge and experience of volunteering and working with volunteers is one of the essential skills for any potential CFA Board Member.  A CFA Board with strong volunteer knowledge and experience is essential.

The change in the CFA Act would look for a number of skills and abilities in CFA Board members, including; “knowledge of, or experience in, commercial, technical, operational, legal or financial matters;” and “expertise in fire services, emergency management, land management or any other field relevant to the performance of the functions of the Authority.”

In introducing the Bill, Police and Emergency Services Minister Kim Wells has told Parliament;

“The bill will transform the existing CFA board appointment process by requiring that board members have one or more of a series of critical skills, knowledge or experience, while continuing to recognise that the CFA is essentially a volunteer based emergency service.

“It is important that the CFA board has strong volunteer expertise, knowledge and an understanding of CFA volunteerism.

"To guarantee such familiarity, knowledge and understanding of CFA volunteerism four members of the CFA board will be nominees of Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria.”

The Bill provides for four CFA Board members, being “two volunteer members of brigades predominately serving urban communities;” and “two volunteer members of brigades predominately serving rural communities”, “to be appointed from a panel of names nominated by the Board of Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria”.

If you or someone you know has the skills, experience and knowledge to make a difference on the CFA Board, now or in the future, please contact VFBV on (03)9886 1141 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CFA AND VFBV BOARD VACANCIES

VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADES VICTORIA

ADVISES OF CFA BOARD VACANCIES

CFA legislation provides for four of the CFA Board’s Members to be appointed from a panel of names submitted by Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria.

A CFA Act amendment Bill currently before Parliament will refine the appointment process for CFA Board Members to ensure the CFA Board has the skills and expertise required to operate as a high performing Board.

The changes recognise and reinforce the importance of the Board possessing strong knowledge, expertise and understanding of CFA volunteerism, and also seek to ensure the CFA Board has skills knowledge and expertise in commercial, financial, legal, public administration and emergency services, with the requirement that nominees have one or more of the skill requirements outlined in the legislation.

The terms of CFA Board Members Paul Denham and Don Robertson expire in August 2014, creating two vacancies on the CFA Board to be nominated by VFBV, one being a representative from a brigade predominantly serving urban communities and one being a representative from a brigade predominantly serving rural communities as per the CFA Act.

CFA volunteers who believe they have the skills, experience and capacity to make a contribution to the CFA Board, and ensure that the CFA Board has strong volunteer expertise, knowledge and an understanding of CFA volunteerism, are invited to apply to fill these vacancies.

From applications received and following interviews, VFBV will submit a panel of names to the Minister for Police & Emergency Services.

The CFA Board meets on a monthly basis and also operates a committee system which could require a commitment of one half day per month.  Attendance at official functions is also expected.

The appointment to the CFA Board would be for a period of up to three years; the retiring members are eligible for re-appointment.

Remuneration for a member of the CFA Board is $17,314 p.a.

A Role Statement is available on the VFBV website or available from the VFBV office. For other relevant information, interested volunteers should contact VFBV – contact details below.

Applications including a current resume must be lodged with VFBV by COB on Monday, 16^th June 2014, to:          

VFBV, P O Box 453, Mt Waverley Vic 3149 

Tel:  9886 1141; Email:  j.laingThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Board Members of Volunteer

Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV)

Invitation to apply

Four VFBV Board vacancies – for a 2 year term until 1^st October 2016

Closing date for written applications is Monday 11^th August 2014

VFBV advances the interests of all Victorian fire brigade volunteers and advocates on their behalf to CFA and other key stakeholders. The VFBV Board drives policy development based on volunteer input and is involved in management of issues of central importance to all CFA volunteers.

Vacancies for Four Board Members will arise when the terms of Andy Cusack, Nev Jones, Bill Maltby and Bruce Pickett expire on 1^st October 2014.  

The term of appointment will be for two years and applications are invited from interested volunteers to be considered for these vacancies.  The retiring members are eligible for re-appointment.

The role of a VFBV Board Member involves contributing to VFBV direction, performance and policy discussion at Board Meetings, networking with others about policies and issues management, and not only making decisions but being prepared to actively advocate for the benefit of all CFA volunteers and ultimately the Victorian community.

A Board Member Role Statement including the key selection criteria is available from the VFBV office or website www.vfbv.com.au

This is an honorary position; no honorarium is paid.

If you are motivated by the prospect of making a difference for CFA volunteers, then send your written application addressing the key selection criteria in the role statement, plus an outline of your CFA activity including the names of two referees.

Applications must be lodged with VFBV by Monday 11^th August 2014.

to:        VFBV, P O Box 453, Mt Waverley  3149

            Tel:  9886 1141;    Fax:  9886 1618

            Email:  j.laingThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) Board vacancies

Invitation to apply

Two Rural Volunteer Representatives - 2 year term until 1 October 2015

Two Urban Volunteer Representatives - 2 year term until 1 October 2015

Closing date for written applications is Monday 12 August 2013

VFBV advances the interests of all Victorian fire brigade volunteers and advocates on their behalf to CFA and other key stakeholders. The VFBV Board drives policy development based on volunteer input and is involved in management of issues of central importance to all CFA volunteers.

Vacancies for Two Rural Brigade Board Members and Two Urban Brigade Board Members will arise when the terms of Tom Brodie and Gary Lyttle (Rural) and Dave Ackland and Hans van Hamond (Urban) expire on 1 October 2013.  

The term of appointment will be for two years and applications are invited from interested volunteers to be considered for these vacancies.  The retiring members are eligible for re-appointment.

The role of a VFBV Board Member involves contributing to debate at Board Meetings, networking with others about policies and issues management, and not only making decisions but being prepared to defend them for the benefit of all CFA volunteers.

A Board Member Role Statement including the key selection criteria is available from the VFBV office or website http://www.vfbv.com.au/webMain/about/vfbv/vfbvboard.

This is an honorary position; no honorarium is paid.

If you are challenged by the prospect of making a difference for CFA volunteers, then send your written application addressing the key selection criteria in the role statement, plus an outline of your CFA activity including the names of two referees.

Applications must be lodged with VFBV by Monday 12 August 2013.

to:        VFBV, P O Box 453, Mt Waverley  3149

            Tel:  9886 1141;    Fax:  9886 1618

            Email:  j.laingThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Structure

The diagram below illustrates the overall structure of VFBV and process links between key VFBV forums plus the links and inputs to decision making levels of CFA Management. In simplest terms the roles of the three levels can be described as follows:

Board – Governance, strategic direction, policy and oversight;

State Council – is the operating level, key advisory forum and State wide representation;

District Councils – allow local level input and the local operating level

The VFBV CEO and staff secretariat provide overall coordination, management, advice and support to the Association at each level.

You can download a copy of the VFBV Constitution at the bottom of this page.

The roles of the three key levels of VFBV are:

Role of VFBV Board

• Governing body, responsible and accountable for the control of the business affairs, performance and governance of the Association;
• Determine policy and direction for the Association;
• Determine VFBV policy on matters referred by CEO or State Council;
• Appoint the CEO and monitor the CEO’s performance;
• Ensure the VFBV’s financial affairs are effectively managed and controlled;
• Ensure adherence to the Association’s Statement of Purposes;
• Ensure internal communication and consultative processes effectively engage membership;

Role of VFBV State Council

• Provide a forum for expression of views from Regional Councils and ensure issues raised by Regional Councils are addressed in a timely and satisfactory manner;
• Consider matters referred to it by VFBV Board and CEO and make recommendations on action to be taken;
• Elect State Council Executive Committee;
• Select representatives to VFBV/CFA Joint Committees;
• Manage process for selection of VFBV Board members;
• Make recommendation to VFBV Board for CFA Board nominations;
• Provide guidance to VFBV representatives on CFA/VFBV Joint Committees and be a conduit between VFBV Board and Regional Councils;
• Advise VFBV Board on the business affairs of the Association.

Role of District Councils

• Provide a forum for affiliated brigades to express volunteer concerns/views;
• Help brigades resolve matters of concern at local level;
• Provide volunteer leadership and represent volunteers at CFA Regional level;
• Provide a conduit for communication and information flow between VFBV Board, State Council and brigades;
• Refer matters that cannot be resolved at local level to VFBV State Council or CEO.