Governance course 2026

Today’s education landscape is increasingly complex with schools facing heightened regulatory expectations, greater financial scrutiny, and more demanding strategic environments. Contemporary governing bodies must balance risk, compliance, performance, and long-term strategic direction, while demonstrating accountability to stakeholders and modelling lifelong learning.

High-quality governance training ensures boards are:

• Confident in their fiduciary and legal responsibilities
• Capable of effective oversight of school leadership
• Equipped to make sound, timely decisions
• Informed about current governance standards, sector challenges, and best practice
• Better prepared to support the future direction of their school.

This program will form the basis of ISV’s long-term plan to build governance skills.

The full program consists of 12 professionally developed 90-minute modules. Each module has been selected for its relevance to good governance in Independent schools aligned to Victorian policy, legal references, and regulatory context. These modules will roll out progressively.

2026 Module Release Schedule

Term 1 – Foundational Governance Capabilities

• Module 1: Defining Governance Roles
• Module 2: Legal Environment & Director Duties
• Module 3: Decision-Making & Board Processes

Term 2 – Finance & Executive Oversight

• Module 4: Financial Reporting
• Module 5: Monitoring Financial Performance
• Module 6: Executive Oversight & Development

Term 3 – Strategy, Risk & Compliance

• Module 7: Strategic Planning
• Module 8: Risk Management Framework
• Module 9: Compliance & Policy Framework

Term 4 – Engagement, Effectiveness & Board Culture

• Module 10: Stakeholder Engagement
• Module 11: Board Effectiveness
• Module 12: Boardroom Dynamics

The program reflects the full spectrum of governance responsibilities including legal duties, financial literacy, risk management, strategy, executive oversight, and the behavioural dynamics that contribute to effective board performance.

These competencies are essential for every board member, particularly those new to school governance or stepping into positions of greater responsibility.

The 2026 Governance Program represents a significant investment in strengthening the capability, confidence, and professionalism of governing bodies across Victoria’s Independent schools. Through this staged, comprehensive training suite, ISV aims to support boards in navigating complexity, meeting their obligations, and guiding their schools into the future.

• Growth and Development for Principals through Feedback, Reflection and Goal-setting
• List of Commonwealth and State Legislation
• Model Policy: Whistleblower
• Whistleblower Guidance

• Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)
• Australian Charities and Non-for-profits Commission (ACNC)
• Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA)
  • Child Safe Standards
  • Ministerial Order 1359