School Council – Conduct and Conflict of Interest

Managing school council misconduct

The following steps are recommended as a way of managing school council misconduct.

Step 1 internal management

• Attempt to manage the issues at a council meeting.
• Remind councillors of their obligations under the Code of Conduct for Directors of Victorian Public Entities and the council Standing Orders.

Step 2 internal management

• Principal and school council president meet the individual/s separately and remind them of their specific obligations under the Code of Conduct and the council Standing Orders.

Step 3 regional involvement — escalation/continuation of misconduct

• The Senior Education Improvement Leader (SEIL) liaises with the School Operations and Governance Unit, Schools and Regional Services, to discuss the matters and possible options.
• The SEIL and the principal should meet with the councillor/s outlining that their behaviours are contrary to the Code of Conduct and continuation of such behaviours may result in an investigation. This in turn may result in a recommendation to the Minister that disciplinary action be taken.
• A letter of warning may be appropriate at this time.

Step 4 conducting a formal investigation

• The Regional Office will manage the investigation. The SEIL will inform the School Operations and Governance Unit, School and Regional Services of the progress of the investigation.
• If required, the Regional Office will liaise with Legal Division on legal issues for example, rules of procedural fairness and natural justice.
• Depending on the outcome of the investigation, a recommendation may be made to the Minister that disciplinary action should be taken which may include the suspension or termination of the membership of the school councillor/s.