Mercy Education Limited (Mercy Education) is seeking Expressions of Interest for the position of Director Mercy Education Limited Board. Vacancies have arisen as current board members are reaching the end of their tenure. Mercy Education currently seeks suitably qualified Directors, with experience or a background in:

• principalship in a Catholic school or education system leadership; or
• legal; or
• risk and compliance.

Governance

Mercy Ministry Companions are the canonical governors of Mercy Education. Mercy Ministry Companions is responsible for ensuring, as faithfully as Catherine McAuley and her sisters, that the Catholic identity, charism and spirituality of Mercy Education thrives into the future.

Mercy Education is responsible for the governance and operation of 13 dynamic colleges, nine in Victoria, three in Western Australia and one in South Australia, committed to the spirit of Mercy. The Board of Mercy Education’s mission is to lead, govern and grow our schools confidently and courageously, faithful to Catherine McAuley’s vision of the lived Gospel, with particular concern for those on the margins.

The Board sets policies, approves the appointment of principals and senior leadership positions, approves college strategic plans, and fulfils due diligence in finance and audit management, capital development, risk management and litigation.

Mercy Education Board responsibilities

The specific responsibilities of the Board are:

• defining, reviewing, and monitoring the mission and vision, strategic directions, business plan and performance measures of Mercy Education’s National Executive branch and its colleges
• ensuring the safeguarding of students in Mercy Education schools
• ensuring that Mercy Education National Executive has appropriate resources and processes to implement its vision and strategic directions
• monitoring the performance of Mercy Education Board committees
• selecting, appointing, and managing the performance of the Chief Executive
• reviewing and approving the annual audited accounts
• approving and monitoring controls associated with contemporary risk management and the appropriate disclosures to ensure compliance with statutory obligations
• ensuring Directors receive appropriate induction and ongoing training to enable them to perform their duties
• overseeing the process to regularly evaluate and identify the required skills, knowledge, experience, and attributes required by the Board
• complying with Mercy Ministry Companions’ policies and procedures
• approving Mercy Education policies

Expectations of Mercy Education Board Directors

Board meetings are generally held in Kew, Victoria and by videoconference. Meetings may also be held in Mercy Education schools in Victoria, Adelaide, and Perth. In recognition of the time and preparation required, Directors receive a modest remuneration. In addition, travel and accommodation costs are covered for attendance at meetings.

Directors will be expected to:

• uphold the values of Mercy Education
• be committed to ensuring policies and practices that reflect a commitment to child safety and the safeguarding of children
• attend (on average) eight Board meetings each year plus the annual strategic planning and Mercy Education leadership days
• be a member of at least one Board sub-committee
• attend the Board Induction Programme
• engage fully with the work of the Board including a commitment to ongoing board governance training and faith formation.

Mercy Education Board requirements

Directors will meet the requirements of the Corporations Act to be a director. This includes the expectation that they have not been disqualified from managing corporations.

In addition to these requirements, Directors will:

• provide a valid Working with Children Check
• provide a valid Directors’ Identification Number
• have the knowledge, skills and experience to contribute effectively to the operation of the Board and sub-committees
• have successful experience in leadership, strategy, governance, financial, legal, education industry and/or human resource management
• engage in ongoing professional learning appropriate to the role
• ensure full disclosure of potential or actual conflicts of interest
• be open to working in partnership with the values, directions and priorities of the Mercy Ministry Companions Limited, the corporate arm of Mercy Ministry Companions and sole Member of Mercy Education Limited.

Application

Your expression of interest needs to include a brief résumé and a covering letter detailing why you are interested in being a Director of Mercy Education along with the specific skills and experience you believe would contribute to the work of the Board.

For further information please contact Judy Sailors, Company Secretary on 0403 666 117 or at [email protected]

Applications close 20 September 2024