Policy last updated
10 February 2026
Scope
- Schools
- School councils
Policy
From the 2026 school year, school council members, except VIT registered teachers and student members, are required to hold a Working with Children Clearance (WWCC) (either a volunteer WWCC, or employee WWCC if they already have this), when nominating for a role on school council. Current (as at commencement of Term 1 2026) school council members are not required to obtain a WWCC until they nominate for re-election/co-option. This policy, guidance and resources have been updated to reflect this change and other changes made to Ministerial Order 1280 (Constitution of Government School Councils) 2020.
Policy
The purpose of this policy is to support the knowledge, understanding and skills of school council members and provide guidance to improve governance.
Summary
- School council members can strengthen their contributions to council by developing skills and knowledge through training.
- School council training is offered free of charge by the department to school council members, including student members, in 3 formats – virtual live, face-to-face and interactive online.
- The School council self-assessment tool provides information and support to members in assessing their effectiveness as a group. School council members can use this tool to help them identify areas of strength and areas for improvement through training. School councils are required to assess their performance on an annual basis.
- An effective school council reviews the skills and expertise of members and aims to build knowledge and capacity across the group.
- Further information on developing good governance and school council skills and expertise is available on the Guidance tab. See also the Resources tab for tools and information.
Details
Good governance enables the school council to:
- perform efficiently and effectively
- respond strategically to changing demands and educational challenges
- strengthen community confidence in the school.
Improving school governance reference guides
The Improving school governance (ISG) reference guides have been developed to improve the knowledge, understanding and skills of:
- school council members including parent, community and student members
- school council presidents
- treasurers and members of finance sub-committees
- school principals.
There are 5 ISG reference guides:
Virtual live training
School council training can be delivered by video conference (for example, via Webex or Teams) by trained facilitators. Principals and school staff can book training through the Synergistiq website. Synergistiq will then liaise with school councils to ensure the training is delivered effectively and meets their needs.
This training covers 4 of the ISG content areas:
- Governance (strongly recommended for all school council members to do as a group early in the life of the new council and at least once every 3 years)
- Finance (recommended for treasurers or members of the finance sub-committee)
- Strategic planning (recommended for school councils in a review year)
- School council president (recommended for presidents).
To book or register interest in virtual live training, schools or individual school council members can register to attend with .
Face-to-face training
Face-to-face training is the same content as virtual live, but the facilitator attends the school in person and delivers the training face-to-face.
Face-to-face training is available to school councils that fit one or more of the following criteria:
- councils at the beginning of the year to improve council cohesion
- councils whose members may have low digital literacy or may face challenges in accessing online training
- rural councils with limited internet access
- culturally and linguistically diverse councils
- councils experiencing internal conflict.
School councils that fit any one of these criteria may apply to Synergistiq to have their school council training session run as face-to-face. A minimum of 10 members is generally required unless special circumstances apply, for example, if a school council has fewer members.
Interactive online training
School council members can also access an interactive online training program featuring videos and activities.
School council members can self-register to access the interactive online training through the school council learning management and complete these modules in sections, in their own time and pace.
Online training can be accessed individually or in small groups, at a time and place convenient to participants.
Training can be completed as a whole module or in part. Participants can bookmark and return to a module at a later time.
Completion certificates can be downloaded at the conclusion of each online module.
Child Safe Standards – training
School councils are required to undertake child safety training to ensure they can effectively fulfil their responsibilities to support a strong culture of child safety and wellbeing at schools. Under Ministerial Order 1359 (the Child Safe for schools), schools must provide school council members with mandatory annual child safety training. This training supports school council members to understand their roles and responsibilities for child safety and wellbeing. This training also ensures school councils are aware of relevant child safety policies and procedures, and their obligations for reporting, information sharing and record keeping. Schools can meet this requirement to deliver annual training by using the ‘School Council training – Child Safe Standards’ presentation, refer to Schools – child safety knowledge, skills and awareness .
It is recommended that principals deliver the ‘School council training – Child Safe Standards’ presentation at the second meeting of the new school council each year so that this training can also form part of the induction for new members. For more information, refer to the Sample agenda and minutes templates in the Resources tab of the School Council – Meetings policy.
Training trailer
Promotional video
School governance – additional support
School council induction video
This induction video provides a summary of:
- the purpose and responsibilities of school councils
- the roles and duties of school council members.
Principals and school council presidents may use the video:
- as general information for school councils
- for recruiting prospective members, or
- for the induction of new school council members.
Induction for new members
All new members to school council will benefit from a supportive and encouraging induction to fulfil their duties.
Principals are encouraged to send a welcome letter to new and returning members of school council which includes key documents and important information about roles and obligations. Sample letters can be found in the Resources tab of this policy.
It is recommended that principals go through the Improving school governance induction checklist or School council governance induction at the first meeting of the new school council (see also the Sample agenda and minutes template – Meeting 1 ). The checklist and presentation remind school council members of their financial responsibilities, the policies and procedures that are required to be followed, the training that is available and where to find more information.
Under Ministerial Order 1359 (Child Safe Standards for schools), schools are required to ensure new school council members receive an induction on child safety and wellbeing. Schools can meet this requirement by delivering the ‘School council training – Child Safe Standards’ presentation available at Child safe standards – training to all school council members at the second school council meeting in term 1 each year – refer to the Sample agenda and minutes templates in the Resources tab of the School Council – Meetings policy. Alternatively, schools can meet this requirement by providing the Child safety induction pack for new school council members upon commencement and following up with delivery of the annual training required for all school council members at a school council meeting during the year at a time that suits.
Below is a list of supports new members may require.
Participation in meetings
Some new school council members may require additional information to participate fully in school council meetings, including advice on:
- department language
- meeting protocols and conventions
- motions
- agendas
- asking questions
- confidently speaking to an agenda item.
Induction support may include:
- providing a mentor who is trained to brief new school council members before and after meetings
- viewing the school council induction video
- a supportive meeting structure that encourages participation including:
- a glossary of terms and acronyms
- report templates
- encouraging new school council members to propose or second motions and participate in discussion
- principal and president meeting with new members to discuss the role of school councillor
- providing new school council members with responsibilities that will ensure they are included and accountable. These responsibilities may include membership of sub-committees and working groups and can be increased as their knowledge and capacity increases.
Department requirements and processes
New school council members may also need support to understand department requirements and processes, especially around:
- legal issues
- policy content and requirements
- school data
- budgets and other financial information
- strategic planning.
The induction program may include:
- the opportunity for new members to:
- participate in school council training
- be made aware of, and use, the department’s resources relating to school councils
- access to appropriate school documentation for which school councils have a legislated function, including:
- School Strategic Plan
- Annual Report
- budgets
- access to other appropriate contextual school documents, including:
- Annual Implementation Plan
- local school policies.
Student school council members
Student school council members are encouraged to participate in training offered by the department, in consultation with the principal.
Where in-person training takes place within school hours at the student’s school, it is managed according to the Visitors in Schools policy.
Where in-person training takes place outside of school grounds, the Excursions policy applies.
Time management
Student school council members may also need support managing their time with study, council and other commitments, for example, senior students need to focus on assessment and exams at various times of the year.
It is recommended the principal and/or school council president:
- liaise with student school council members’ parents to ensure they are aware of requirements, meetings and times
- ensure that teachers are aware of the student members and their time commitment to school council.
School council self-assessment tool
The School council self-assessment tool assists school councils to build their capacity and provides guidance on co-opting community members. It is also located in the School council portal (principal or business manager login and is designed to be used by school council as a group encouraging discussion and providing support in:
- evaluating their effectiveness as a collective
- identifying areas for improvement.
As a group, school council can discuss and review the self-assessment statements. Refer to the Effective governance guidance chapter for further detail.
Further information on governance and the responsibilities and functions of school council can be found at School Council – Powers and Functions.
A self-assessment instructional video can be found in the Resources tab.
Related policies
- School Council – Composition, Eligibility and Office Bearers
- School Council – Conduct and Conflict of Interest
- School Council – Elections
- School Council – Overview
- School Council – Powers and Functions
Relevant legislation
Guidance
School council – Training and developing good governance guidance
This guidance provides information on effective school council governance and how to build school council capabilities.
This guidance contains the following chapters:
- Overview
- Effective governance
- Building school council capacity
Overview
Overview
School councils play a key role in Victorian government schools, and being a member of the school council is a rewarding and challenging experience. Working as a team, school councils support schools to provide the best possible educational outcomes for students.
Although each school council member brings their own valuable life skills and knowledge to the role, school council members may need to develop skills and acquire knowledge in areas that are unfamiliar to them. This might include developing the broad direction and vision for the school, building community partnerships, interpreting data or financial statements, maintaining and building the school’s facilities and understanding legislative and policy requirements.
The effectiveness of a school council relies on both the skills and expertise of its individual members and on school council working as a team.
School council members will have a diversity of experiences, perspectives, information, connections and skills to carry out their governance functions. While all individuals bring value, some may be better prepared to serve on school council than others.
As individuals, school council members are encouraged to consider what understanding and capabilities they have, and what they can do to build their skills and expertise. As a team, it is recommended school councils identify the skills and expertise they need to be effective and take steps to build their capabilities where possible.
Effective governance
Effective governance
Characteristics of an effective school council
An effective school council is one that:
- has a clear understanding of its role and responsibilities
- focuses on improving student learning outcomes and educational opportunities from a governance perspective
- involves the school community in conversations about key issues and challenges
- is actively involved in the development of the School Strategic Plan
- promotes parent and community participation and communicates with the community to seek views and feedback
- includes members who represent the diverse views of the school community
- has clear and consistent processes for decision-making
- maintains high ethical standards
- has members with trust and respect for one another
- regularly reviews and evaluates its own performance
- appropriately delegates to individual members and sub-committees
- allocates time to its own growth and development, through induction and training.
An effective school council supports the development of strategic partnerships, programs and activities to achieve the goals in the School Strategic Plan.
Roles and responsibilities
Effective school councils understand their roles and responsibilities. They understand the difference between their governance responsibilities and the operational responsibilities of the principal and school staff.
The functions of a school council are outlined in the School Council – Powers and Functions policy and in the relevant legislation information provided in this policy.
Reviewing how school council is operating
It is good governance for a school council to regularly review and assess how it operates. It is recommended that school council members complete a self-assessment of their knowledge, skills and operating procedures, following the school council election process. This could be at a school council meeting in term 2. However, school councils may vary this timing to suit their needs.
The assessment of skills and knowledge may also coincide with a school review, development of a new strategic plan, development of a specific policy or if the school council and school are beginning a major program.
As part of this review, school councils may consider their Standing Orders, their sub-committee structure and the effectiveness of their meetings. It is important that school councils – and individual school council members – work effectively, but also that they know they are working effectively and efficiently.
The school council might also consider the following:
- Preparation: Does our school council have a clear sense of how it will conduct proper governance? Do our school council members have relevant governance experience and an understanding of process?
- Capacity and composition: Does our school council have the diversity and experience to reflect the community and its needs and expectations? Do our school council members have the time to do the job properly? Does our school council have the financial skills to oversee the school budget?
- Structure: Does our school council have the best structure to be effective? Do we need a separate sub-committee or working group to consider a specific issue?
- Clarity: Does our school council understand its roles and responsibilities? Are all our school council members fulfilling their role?
A strategic way to review the effectiveness of the school council is to survey members, then discuss the results either in small groups, and/or as a whole. The School council self-assessment tool has been developed to support school councils with this process.
The skills and particular expertise a school council should have to assist in its key responsibilities, include:
- financial literacy
- strategic planning
- community engagement
- policy making
- ethical decision-making.
It is recommended a school council offers all members experience and encourages them to attend the training provided by the department in these key areas. Regular review of school council skills and capabilities will help determine which skills can be developed and enhanced.
The review can begin with the self-assessment tool distributed to all members of school council. This tool will help members as a group to reflect, discuss and identify their capabilities when matched against the roles and responsibilities of the school council. Most school councils will identify some areas for improvement. They may agree that they wish to further develop particular capabilities. It is important all school council members understand governance and that the school council as a whole has the capacity to monitor and oversee strategic planning, finance and support the school priorities.
A self-assessment instructional video can be found in the Resources tab.
School council skills and expertise
The most effective school councils have a range of skills and expertise – or a good understanding of how to source additional knowledge and advice.
Building school council capacity
Building school council capacity
The School council self-assessment tool can be used to assess and identify a school council’s strengths, areas for development and training needs. The self-assessment will identify skills, expertise or experience the school council may be lacking.
It is strongly recommended that school councils then determine what is needed to correct this. Such action could include:
- offering training to school council members, either collectively or individually
- learning as you go: for example, having less experienced school council members shadow those with more experience
- using sub-committees and working groups to support priorities and activities
- co-opting skilled individuals as community members of school council (where vacancies exist). The school council self-assessment tool includes advice on how to prepare for and approach potential community members
- inviting particular individuals/professionals to school council meetings to provide advice
- re-structuring the existing school council to enable members to better use their skills (for example, appoint a member with financial background as treasurer, or establish a working group to source quotes for a particular project)
- collaborating with other schools and school councils to share information and skills
- running workshops with school council members and others in the school community to focus on issues, and considering using professional associations to facilitate these
- upgrading or adopting technology to improve the school council’s effectiveness.
Resources
Resources
School council training
Improving school governance reference guides
Improving school governance (ISG) reference guides have been developed to improve knowledge, understanding and skills of school council members, school council presidents and school principals (as executive officers of school councils).
The 5 reference guides are:
Virtual live and face-to-face training
Virtual live and face-to-face training is delivered free of cost to school councils of Victorian government schools.
For face-to-face training schools must fill out and complete the Book to host an ISG training event .
For further information and to book a virtual live training session, visit: School Council .
Interactive online training
School council members can self-register to access free interactive online training through the school council learning management system .
Online training can be accessed individually or in small groups, at a time and place convenient to participants.
Child safety training
School council training materials on the Child Safe are available through the Schools – child safety knowledge, skills and awareness .
Induction
- School Council Induction Video (available on the Policy tab)
- Improving school governance induction checklist
- School council governance induction
- Welcome letter for new school council members
- Welcome letter for returning school council members
- Child safety induction pack for new school council members
Self-assessment tool
The School council self-assessment tool provides support and guidance to school councils in evaluating their effectiveness as a collective. Group discussion and reflection using the self-assessment process help school councils identify areas for improvement. The self-assessment tool also includes advice on how to prepare for and approach potential community members.
Self-assessment video
This video provides a summary of:
- the purpose of the self-assessment tool
- the steps to complete the self-assessment task.
Watch the Self-assessment video on .
Principals and school council presidents may use the video:
- to undertake a review of their school council activities
- to assess their school council activities.
Reviewed 13 April 2023