Independent member

The School Policy and Funding Advisory Council (the Council) was established in 2015 under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 to provide advice to the Minister for Education on regulatory, policy and funding issues that affect Victorian government and non-government schools. The focus areas of the Council include:

• cross-sectoral reforms that will contribute to improved Victorian school education system outcomes
• funding, accountability and reporting issues that affect government and non-government schools, including the development of funding agreements with non-government schools
• policy development that contributes to improved outcomes for specific cohorts e.g. Aboriginal students and students with disability
• regulatory issues with consideration given to advice provided by relevant statutory authorities
• Commonwealth-State issues such as National Partnerships and Commonwealth Government reviews and targeted programs
• maintaining high performance for existing and new students, and opportunities for collaboration across sectors.

The Council has 5 members appointed by the Minister:

• Secretary of the Department of Education (Chair)
• Executive Director, Catholic Education Commission of Victoria
• Chief Executive, Independent Schools Victoria
• Deputy Secretary, Schools and Regional Services, Department of Education
• Independent Member (position being recruited to).

Further information on the Council, including the Terms of Reference, can be found at: https://www.vic.gov.au/school-policy-and-funding-advisory-council

This position provides an opportunity to provide independent advice through the Council to the Minister for Education on regulatory, policy and funding issues that affect Victorian government and non-government schools.

Applicants are sought who can demonstrate a track record of educational policy and/or leadership that has contributed to educational outcomes for all Victorian students and can provide a neutral and objective view in relation to cross sectoral discussions.

Please note there will be three board meetings per year.

Consideration will be given to applicants who can demonstrate the following:

• capacity to represent the interests of all Victorian students
• contribution to cross-sectoral education policy and/or funding design
• expertise in the areas of education policy and/or funding
• excellence in innovative thought leadership.

Applicants with expertise in educational policy and/or leadership in relation to Aboriginal students and students with disability are encouraged to apply. Previous board experience is not essential.

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards and committees reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people of all ages, women, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and LGBTIQ+ people. Applicants from rural and regional Victoria are also encouraged to apply.

Applicants are required to register an account on the Join a Public Board website ( https://www.boards.vic.gov.au) prior to applying online.

Please attach your resume and a short response to the above criteria found in the who we're looking for section above (no more than 2 pages).

All applications will be assessed against the criteria outlined above. A selection panel will shortlist applicants against the criteria and conduct interviews.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo probity checks, including a national police check. They will also be required to declare any private interests and awareness of any potential conflicts of interest. Recommendations of suitable candidates will be provided to the responsible Minister for consideration.

Applicants should hold no more than three positions on non-departmental entity boards.

To find out more please contact Kylie White, Deputy Secretary, Policy, Strategy and Performance, Department of Education on 0419 578 399 or SP.FAC@education.vic.gov.au

For further assistance in accessing this information or assistance submitting your application contact the Council Secretariat on 03 7022 0672 or through using the National Relay Service 133 677.

Applications close 11:59 pm 29 September 2023.