About the Board of Directors

Board meeting February 09The Board of Directors of the NHAA exists to directly support the membership and implement the policy and aims of the Association. Achieving this requires considerable work in many different areas, from the obvious activities of organising seminars and conferences and publishing the journal, to media and public relations, education, government liaison (at the state, federal and even international level) and industry cooperation.

Each Board member is an elected representative of the membership and works in a voluntary capacity. Elections take place at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association and all Full members of the NHAA are eligible to vote.

How the Board Works

The entire Board meets face to face two to three times a year. The Examiners often meet more frequently, and various Subcommittees may meet as required. However most of the work of the Board is accomplished between these meetings via email, telephone and conference calls. This allows the Board members, who are spread throughout Australia, to work together effectively.

The time commitment varies according to each Board position and the types and number of projects on the agenda. Subcommittees are commonly formed to distribute work related to certain short or long term projects. 

Standing for Election

If you are a Full member of the NHAA, would like to be involved in the direction of herbal medicine in Australia, and have the skills and dedication to contribute to one of the Board positions, you could stand for nomination for a Board position.

All Full members (from anywhere in Australia) are eligible for nomination to a Board position. Elections occur at the Annual General Meeting of the NHAA, and all Full Members have voting rights. 

Board positions are voluntary with each elected Board Member serving a two year term. Individuals wishing to serve longer are required to stand for re-election at the end of each two year term.

The requirements for an NHAA Board Member are as follows:

  • Full Membership of the NHAA.
  • Commitment and dedication to herbal medicine and the membership of the NHAA.
  • Two year commitment to the Board position to which they have been elected.
  • Attendance at the face to face Board meetings (usually at the Office in Sydney).
  • Examiners are required to attend additional Examiners meetings which occur above and beyond the normal Board meetings and be able to travel interstate to visit training institutions if required.
  • Computer and internet literacy.

In the event of situations such as ill health, a Board Member may choose to stand down before the end of their two year term. In this case the Board may choose to appoint a casual replacement to hold the position until the following AGM.

The NHAA Office

The Office acts as the administrative centre of the Association. The office staff  are vitally important to the Association. They deal with the day to day enquiries of the public and our members, maintain and carry out all administrative functions, and support the activities of the Board of directors.

Positions on the Board

The following is a brief description of the main roles inherent within each voluntary position on the Board of Directors of the NHAA. Flexibility within these roles is common, as individual Board members contribute with their own areas of expertise.

President

Responsible for the strategic direction of the NHAA and management of the Association's political and media activities.

Vice Presidents (2 positions)

Directly assist the President and manage and guide various high level projects for the Association.

Executive Directors (maximum of 7 positions)

Various areas of involvement including ethics, media and public relations, regulation, education, information technology and more.

Coordinating Examiner

Manages projects related to education and standards. Coordinates the Examiners in assessing Clause 2 Full Membership applications and applications for Course Accreditation. A Coordinating Examiner usually has a minimum of 12 months experience as an Examiner before being promoted to Coordinating Examiner.

Examiners (3 positions additional to Coordinating Examiner)

Assess applications for Clause 2 Full Membership and for course accreditation. Maintain and guide the standards of education and practice within herbal medicine.

Treasurer

Responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of the Association.