Induction and continuing education

• All major DEECA agencies should have a policy on induction and professional development for board members
• Your board’s policy should be consistent with the DEECA model policy.

Induction and education – model policy – standard major (PDF, 141.0 KB)
Induction and education – model policy – standard major (DOCX, 110.2 KB)

This guidance note is essential reading for anyone involved in preparing an induction program/kit for board members.

The guidance note:

• sets out the minimum topics and guidance (e.g. ‘overview’ guidance notes) that should be included in all programs/kits
• incorporates the requirements in Premier’s Circular 2015/02.

There is flexibility about whether a particular topic is covered in the program (and to what extent) provided that certain guidance is included in the kit.

This helps to ensure that the program is ‘fit for purpose’ and can be tailored to meet the needs of the particular incoming board.

Minimum contents and additional governance resources (PDF, 247.7 KB)
Minimum contents and additional governance resources (DOCX, 131.1 KB)

The following guidance notes:

• should be included in induction kits for board members of all major DEECA agencies
• also help experienced board members to stay up-to-date with current governance requirements and best practice.

For small (category 3) committees of management of Crown land reserves, see the committees of management support module.

Minimum contents and additional governance resources

Include this guidance note in the induction kit so that board members know what they are entitled to expect in their induction program and kit.

This is an at-a-glance list of the minimum contents of induction kits, additional guidance notes and other resources which DEECA offers.

Minimum contents and additional governance resources (PDF, 247.7 KB)
Minimum contents and additional governance resources (DOCX, 131.1 KB)

Basic requirements of good governance

A summary of key governance requirements that a board member must be familiar with.

Basic requirements of good governance - major agencies (PDF, 336.1 KB)
Basic requirements of good governance - major agencies (DOCX, 108.9 KB)

Differences between public sector and private sector boards

A summary of the differences between public sector and private sector boards to help private sector board members understand their new duties and obligations.

Differences between public sector and private sector boards (PDF, 295.1 KB)
Differences between public sector and private sector boards (DOCX, 145.3 KB)

Meetings and decisions – an overview

• Easy-to-read overview of a board member’s obligations and good practice
• Include in induction kits for board members of major agencies
• Also helps experienced board members to stay up-to-date.

Meetings and decisions – overview – all major (PDF, 429.5 KB)
Meetings and decisions – overview – all major (DOCX, 112.1 KB)

Code of conduct – an overview

• Easy-to-read overview of a board member’s obligations and good practice
• Include in induction kits for board members of major agencies
• Also helps experienced board members to stay up-to-date.

Code of conduct – an overview – all major (PDF, 92.4 KB)
Code of conduct – an overview – all major (DOCX, 110.6 KB)

Conflict of interest – an overview

• Easy-to-read overview of a board member’s obligations and good practice
• Include in induction kits for board members of major agencies
• Also helps experienced board members to stay up-to-date.

Conflict of interest – an overview – all major (PDF, 428.9 KB)
Conflict of interest – an overview – all major (DOCX, 116.8 KB)

Gifts, benefits and hospitality – an overview

• Easy-to-read overview of a board member’s obligations and good practice
• Include in induction kits for board members of major agencies
• Also helps experienced board members to stay up-to-date.

On Board Gifts - an overview  (PDF, 143.5 KB)
On Board Gifts - an overview (DOCX, 267.8 KB)

Summary chart of roles and responsibilities

A summary of the roles and key responsibilities of the board, CEO, minister, DEECA, etc.

Summary chart of roles - major agencies (PDF, 472.0 KB)
Summary chart of roles - major agencies (DOCX, 117.3 KB)

Directors Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct for Directors of Victorian Public Entities (Directors’ Code of Conduct) is binding on board members of DEECA agencies.

Welcome to the Board

Published by the Victorian Public Sector Commission. Until the next edition of the DELWP guide to good governance – board members (PDF, 1.3 MB) and DELWP guide to good governance – board members (DOC, 3.6 MB) is issued, include the generic Welcome to the Board in all induction kits.

Board mentoring toolkit

DEECA has developed a board mentoring kit which agencies may choose to include in induction kits.

Board mentoring-toolkit (PDF, 352.6 KB)
Board mentoring-toolkit (DOCX, 524.0 KB)

Aboriginal representation on Boards

In this DELWP video (3 ½ mins), Glenys Watts and Graham Atkinson talk about their experiences of being on boards and the challenges and satisfaction of their service, and encourage other Aboriginal people to consider board membership.

DEECA governance e-alerts

Board members and other interested readers can subscribe to DEECA's governance e-alerts, which provide governance news and information.

Related support modules

On Board has related support modules for DEECA board members, such as Performance assessment.

Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPSC)

As part of its role in promoting good governance in the public sector, the VPSC issues the binding Code of Conduct for Directors of Victorian Public Entities (Directors Code of Conduct, which applies to board members). It also publishes a range of educational material for the Victorian public sector, including Welcome to the Board.

Department of Premier and Cabinet

The Department of Premier and Cabinet maintains the Appointment and Remuneration Guidelines. This applies to both paid and unpaid board appointments, and the binding Premier's Circular 2015/02 (Good Board Governance).