Invitation for Community Director Nominations

The Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) is calling for nominations for one Community Director for the EWON Board for a 3-year term commencing 31 October 2024. 
 

About EWON

EWON is the independent dispute resolution scheme for NSW electricity and gas customers and some water customers.

The Board is responsible for corporate governance, funding, and strategy. Under EWON’s Constitution the Board consists of five Industry Directors, five Community Directors and an Independent Chair.
 

Skills and experience required

EWON requires a Community Director who:  

1. has demonstrated experience in and knowledge of consumer and/or small business interests relating to any aspect of the complaint handling service provided by EWON

2. is capable of reflecting the viewpoints and concerns of consumers

3. has the trust and confidence of consumers and consumer organisations 

4. has knowledge, skills, personal qualities, and commitment that will add value to the EWON Board 

5. is available to devote sufficient time to the role 

6. previous Board experience and Australian Institute of Company Director qualifications will be well regarded 

7. has skills and experience in one or more of the following:

• financial management 
• risk management
• legal compliance
• technology and digital* 
• small business interests
• consumer energy (eg household solar or batteries) operations and/or consumer frameworks.
  *highly regarded

The ideal candidates will contribute to the diversity of the Board.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are particularly encouraged to apply.

How to nominate

Nominations should include the following:  

• A nomination or endorsement by the CEO or Chair of the Board of a community organisation.  
• A statement by the nominee addressing each of the selection criteria listed in 1-7 above (no more than one paragraph for each criteria), and advising of any other reasons you believe you would be a suitable community director. 
• A current resume/CV.

Nominations should be sent by COB Friday 26 July 2024 by email to:
Polly Porteous 
General Manager - Governance Awareness and Policy 
pollyp@ewon.com.au 
 

Selection Process

Nominations will be considered by the EWON Nominations People and Culture Committee which will make recommendations for final decision by the Board. The selection process will include an interview which will be held in the week of 12-15 August 2024.  Nominees are asked to keep that date free.
 

More information

The Board meets about six times a year and has a number of sub-committees for which Directors are expected to nominate. Directors also participate in EWON’s two half-day Consumer Consultative Council meetings each year, and attend annual strategic planning or a small number of key meetings as required. 

Appointment is for a three-year term with the possibility of one subsequent term (a Director can serve no more than two consecutive terms). 

Community Directors are paid Directors’ fees of $22,254.18 per annum plus 11.5% superannuation.  

General information about EWON is available on our website, including information about current Board members and EWON’s Constitution and Charter.  

If you have any questions, please contact Polly Porteous, General Manager - Governance Awareness and Policy, pollyp@ewon.com.au or call (02) 8218 5225