What is the HFESA Board?

The HFESA Board consists of Directors who are responsible for the running of the Society, including governance, setting the strategic direction of the Society, and managing finances and membership benefits. Currently, the HFESA Board of Directors consists of:

• An Executive team (the President, Treasurer and Secretary) and
• Directors from each Branch (known as Branch Directors)

Any financial member can be nominated to be a Director, and these roles must be elected at an EGM or AGM. The only exception to this is the Secretary role, which is elected by the board. Once a new Director/Secretary has been selected, they give written consent confirming that they accept the role and must apply for their Director ID before they are appointed. The tasks for director roles are determined by the Board, however executive roles have specific duties.

The Directors on the Board have a 2-year term commencing in December after the AGM. As per the HFESA constitution, these roles are voluntary however any costs associated with travelling to and attending face-to-face Board meetings are covered by HFESA.

Why join the HFESA Board?

The Board of Directors at HFESA is a great opportunity to not only influence the direction of HFESA, but learn about running of the society.  Each Director will receive training in governance and be part of a collegiate team working together to promote Human Factors and Ergonomics in Australia. If you want to expand your skills in leadership, and develop your expertise on a professional Board, putting yourself forward to be elected to the Board is an excellent place to start.

How much time does it take to be a Board Director?

The time spent in undertaking Director roles varies through the year, but averages at about one hour per week.  Each Board director must attend the Board meetings held quarterly (typically in Feb, May, Aug and Nov). The online meetings are held on a Saturday, and the face-to-face board meetings are held on a Saturday and Sunday (typically before the annual conference or when budgets are determined). Directors are required to present a quarterly report on activities undertaken in their portfolio at quarterly Board meetings and a report of the activities over a year for the Annual report, presented at the Annual General Meeting.  A manual outlining various tasks for board members is available and those in Executive Director positions (the President, Secretary and Treasurer) provide coaching and mentoring for the incoming executive team. The time spent on Director roles in the executive team is higher than other Director roles due to particular executive tasks taking more time, however all Director roles carry equal responsibility and therefore the delegation of tasks throughout the board can assist in spreading the load.

When do Director roles commence?

Under our current governance processes, all board directors on the incoming board commence on 1 Dec 2026 at the AGM, however the incoming president and incoming treasurer join the board position to attend the remaining board meetings in May, August and November this year before commencing the role of HFESA President and HFESA Treasurer on 1 Dec 2026. The current President also remains on the board in the role of outgoing president for 12 months (until 1 Dec 2027).  This process is designed to enable continuity of strategic planning and mentoring for incoming Directors.

Why do I need to vote for Board roles?

HFESA is run by members for members, and the members who sit on the Board of Directors for HFESA play a crucial role in deciding the direction of the Society. Any financial member can nominate to be a Director and all Directors are elected by members, with the exception of the Secretary, who is elected by the incoming Board.

It is important that members select Directors who will act in the best interest of HFESA, so your vote matters! 

What positions are up for voting now?

Currently, the roles of incoming President and Treasurer are open for nomination. Voting for these 2 Executive Director roles will be held at an online EGM on Thurs 26 March at 7pm AEDT. 

The role of General Secretary will be determined by the Board at a later date, in line with our Constitution and ASIC requirements.  Nominations for these roles will open around October.  Nominees for any of the Director roles who were not elected at the EGM in March or the Annual Branch Meetings in October are welcome to nominate for the General Secretary role, which us selected by the incoming Board immediately after the AGM on 1 Dec 2026.

What does the role of HFESA President entail?

The President of HFESA represents the society externally, including in national and international consultation. As the chair of the Board, they determine items for discussion at Board meetings, prepare newsletters and communication to members and award the Society medal. Whilst any member is eligible to nominate as president, members who have been actively involved in HFESA in SIGs, branches or conferences; or who are well recognised in the field of human factors and  ergonomics are recommended as candidates for President as the pubic face of HFESA, and in consideration of the important role they play in how HFESA functions as a professional society.

What does the role of HFESA treasurer entail?

The Treasurer is responsible for preparing the budget for the Society and presenting the financials to Board members at each meeting and to members annually at the AGM. Tasks include approving expenditure and maintaining control of transactions against the budget, liaising with the accountant and preparing documentation and liaising with the auditor as required.  The Treasurer works closely with the President in making decisions on expenditure and whilst any member is eligible to nominate as Treasurer, it is essential members select candidates who they trust to be ethical and responsible. As with the President role, the incoming Treasurer will have up to 10 months to shadow the current Treasurer before officially commending the role on 1 Dec 2026.

Do I need to know accounting to be the treasurer?

Even though the Treasurer prepares the budget for the Society, you do not need to have qualifications in accounting or experience in accounting, as the Treasurer will have access to an accountant contracted to the society, accounting software, a financial operational manual and the previous Treasurer for mentoring. The incoming Treasurer will be mentored by the current Treasurer, especially in the lead up to the May Board meeting in which finances for the next year are determined, including costs for membership fees, and other key decisions.

Why are we only voting for President and Treasurer now?

As per the HFESA constitution, Director roles must be elected at an EGM or AGM.  The only exception to this is the Secretary role, which is elected by the Board. A table outlining how and when the roles are nominated and elected is below:

Summary of the schedule for electing Board Directors in 2026