Applications Closed
As AADPA continues to evolve its approach to lived experience leadership, we are seeking a passionate and values-aligned person with lived experience of ADHD to join the Board of Directors.
This appointment is a key component of AADPA’s Lived Experience Project and our commitment to embedding lived experience within governance, decision-making, advocacy, and organisational leadership. In 2025, AADPA strengthened this commitment through a constitutional requirement that at least one Board Director has lived experience of ADHD, ensuring lived experience voices have a direct role in shaping the future of the organisation.
Through this role and the broader Lived Experience Project, AADPA is building the structures, partnerships, and processes needed to ensure lived experience perspectives meaningfully inform our policies, programs, recommendations, and advocacy, now and into the future.
Key information
- Position Title: Appointed Board Director
- Location: Australia or New Zealand
- Eligibility: Members & Non-members invited
- Application Closing Date: Sunday August 26, 2026
Key Criteria
- Lived experience of ADHD (formal diagnosis)
- Strong lived experience advocacy capability
- Not currently holding a role involving the diagnosis and/or treatment of people with ADHD
- Governance experience working with a Board, committee, or similar body (previous Board Director experience desirable)
About the Role
The Lived Experience Director is a full Board Director role that brings the perspective of people with ADHD into AADPA’s governance, strategy, advocacy, and organisational leadership. While contributing equally to Board decision-making, the role helps ensure lived experience remains central to AADPA’s work and future direction.
As a key part of AADPA’s Lived Experience Project, the Director will support the organisation’s commitment to embedding lived experience in governance and decision-making. The successful candidate will help shape AADPA’s policies, advocacy, and strategic priorities through a lived experience lens, while establishing and supporting lived experience advisory group(s) and strengthening community engagement and accountability. Through this work, the Director will help advance ethical, inclusive, neuro-affirming, and trauma-informed leadership across the organisation.
Expectations and Time Committment
The Lived Experience Director is a voluntary Board appointment that plays an important role in helping AADPA strengthen lived experience leadership across the organisation. As a full Director, the successful candidate will contribute to governance, strategic decision-making, and organisational oversight alongside other Board members.
Directors are expected to act in accordance with AADPA’s Constitution and the standards of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), exercising sound judgement and acting in the best interests of the organisation and the communities it serves.
Directors are expected to actively contribute to meetings, strategic discussions, and Board decision-making, including reviewing Board papers and participating between meetings. Candidates should carefully consider the time commitment associated with this role, including meetings that may occur during business hours and occasional travel, and seek support from their employer where appropriate.
Key commitments include:
- Board Meetings: Up to 10 (9 virtual & 1 in-person) meetings per year (typically 1–1.5 hours each).
- Annual Strategy Meeting: One in-person strategy session (1–2 days).
- Annual General Meeting (AGM): Attendance is required.
- Annual Conference: Attendance at the conference and associated Board meeting (3–4 days).
AADPA is committed to supporting participation in ways that are equitable, accessible, and neuro-affirming.
How to Apply
If you’re passionate about ensuring lived experience helps shape the future of ADHD policy, professional practice, and sector leadership, we’d love to hear from you. Join AADPA’s Board and help advance our commitment to meaningful lived experience representation in governance and decision-making.
Before applying for the role, please review the Position Summary and Director Candidate Pack.
If you have any questions about the role, please contact Lauren at lauren.cosgrove@aadpa.com.au.
Applications Closed Wednesday, 26 August 2026
