The National Disability Research Partnership (NDRP) is an initiative under Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021–2031 and operates as an independent not-for-profit company governed by a Board of Directors. NDRP funds research led by and with people with disability to build evidence that informs policy and practice. Initial Commonwealth Government funding supports the establishment and delivery of a collaborative, inclusive national disability research program.
The Board is responsible for providing strategic leadership and governance, ensuring strong oversight, and supporting NDRP’s independence and impact. The Board’s composition reflects a balance of lived experience, research expertise and governance capability, with a majority of Directors being people with disability, attention to identity and gender balance, and representation from across Australia, including regional and remote areas. For more information about the Board, (https://www.ndrp.org.au/about/our-people).
Our Research Committee provides advice to the Board on the NDRP’s research program of work. Research Committee Members provide independent expert advice and recommendations on matters relating to disability research strategy, funding, quality, and knowledge mobilisation. For more information about the NDRP Research Committee's and the Terms of Reference, (https://www.ndrp.org.au/about/our-people/research-committee).
Further information of the NDRP can be found at the NDRP website (www.ndrp.org.au).
The NDRP Guiding Principles guide the NDRP’s work and decisions and are outlined in Rule 8 of the Constitution. All directors and Research Committee Members will be asked to formally acknowledge and support the NDRP principles which are to:
- Advance high quality research that informs disability policy and practice in Australia
- Value the knowledge of people with disability in research
- Strengthen disability research capacity
- Share research findings widely in useful and accessible ways
Assessment Criteria
- Experience in disability research aligned with NDRP’s guiding principles. This may include community-based, applied, advocacy-led, policy or academic research.
- Experience that strengthens the Board’s and Research Committee’s understanding of disability, policy or research systems, such as work in the disability sector, partnerships with marginalised communities, governance roles, government experience, or policy and advocacy.
- Skills relevant to governance, including leadership, strategy, governance, partnerships, communication, financial or risk oversight, legal or regulatory knowledge, and technology or innovation.
We also consider overall Board and Research Committee balance, diversity of perspectives (including lived experience of disability), and ability to act in the best interests of NDRP.
Overview of the application form
All applications are to be submitted by the Smarty Grants form (https://ndrp.smartygrants.com.au/2026BoardDirectorandRC)
If you would prefer to submit your application in an alternative format, please contact us at info@ndrp.org.au or SMS 0485 931 168
We are providing this overview so you can prepare for your application.
Important note: NDRP values lived experience of disability and disability community connection. However, not all people appointed to the Board and Research Committee are required to be people with disability, and independence is assessed based on transparency and manageability of conflicts, not absence of sector involvement.
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