NEW LEQ Governance Workshop 1: School and College Council Duties & Liabilities

New Date - initial workshop postponed due to Cyclone Alfred

GOVERNANCE WORKSHOP 1: Understanding and managing your duties and liabilities as an LEQ School and College Council Member

Presenter: James Tan, Director - Vocare Law

Duration: 2hrs (1hr of content presentation, followed by 1hr of breakout room discussions and feedback sessions) 

OBJECTIVE

Equip Council Members with the practical knowledge required to understand their role and carry out their responsibilities. 

1. THE ROLE

What is the role of a Council Member: 

• under the LCAQD By-Laws? 

• under law, in the present structure? 

• under law, post-incorporation? 

What is the difference between governance, and management? Should governance be involved in operations? 

2. LEGAL OBLIGATIONS

Are, or will, Council Members be directors of their School or College under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)? 

If not, how do regulators view the role of Council Members? 

What are some legal or other fiduciary duties that apply? 

• Common law duties 

• duty of care and diligence 

• duty to act in good faith 

• manage conflicts of interest 

• Duties as officers 

• early years, work health and safety, superannuation 

3. WHAT ARE SOME KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF COUNCIL MEMBERS?

• Leadership, Governance & Strategy 

• Council Meetings 

• Oversight of management 

• Compliance and risk management 

• Community engagement 

• Diversity and stakeholder representation 

4. WHAT DO REGULATORS AND STAKEHOLDERS EXPECT FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS REGARDING COMPLIANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT?

5.SERVICE & SUPPORT FROM LEQ MILTON OFFICE

How does the LEQ Milton Office serve and support Councils in their role? 

6. PRACTICAL SESSIONS

• What are some steps that Council Members can take to manage and mitigate their risk and liability exposure? 

• How can Council Members keep up to speed with challenges and their evolving responsibilities?