Building a school culture that values compliance and governance is the key behind delivering trust and integrity. To build this culture is to cast a protective net over your staff and students.
The school education framework in Australia is undergoing critical change. As a result, schools are under increasing pressure to educate students while negotiating a constant shift in legislative, fiscal and economic requirements. Such challenges also create a greater expectation on your compliance and risk processes to protect your school from harm.
Inherent in reducing and managing your risk is the process of governance. Governance can be defined as the mechanisms put in place to control and monitor an organisation. Good governance processes allow schools to create value by operating in an environment that is transparent and manages the risk of accountability.
Regulatory changes introduced by the Australian Charities & Not-for-Profit Commission have introduced five principle based governance standards. At a minimum, these provide guidelines within the regulatory environment that schools should aim to achieve.
These 5 principles cover:
- The purposes and Not-for-Profit Character of a Charity
- Accountability to Members
- Compliance with Australian Law
- Suitability of Responsible Entities
- Duties of Responsible Entities
How we will help you
Moore Stephens has built a National Education Group – a team of dedicated education specialists who share a wealth of experience in their work with independent colleges, private and religious schools of Australia.
From governance reviews and advice, through to strategic business planning, compliance monitoring and internal control assessments, Moore Stephens will work in partnership with you to ensure that you continue to meet both your governance goals and those of your stakeholders.
We will help you to ensure your governance processes are robust and sound and meet the expectations set in regulation by the ACNC and other bodies within the Not-for-Profit arena.
Governance review
We have developed a unique governance review process specifically designed for schools. The review process covers 5 steps, as outlined on the next page.
Governance review process
Step 1: Engagement
Meet with your team to confirm the approach.
Step 2: Research
Identify documentation to assist us in the performance of an assessment review, such as Strategic plan, Board of Management and organisation formal structure and procedures, risk management processes.
Step 3: Review
Meet with your team and conduct the review using our unique Governance Health Check Tool.
Step 4: Report
Draft Governanance Review Report and discuss with your team.
Step 5: Finalisation
Finalise report with your team and meet with the board to deliver findings.
Coordination and Control
The overall coordination of the Governance Review Health Check is the responsibility of your relationship partner who maintains an involvement throughout the review process. We will monitor progress and inform you of any unexpected deviations from the planned timetable.
This publication is issued by Moore Stephens Australia Pty Limited ACN 062 181 846 (Moore Stephens Australia) exclusively for the general information of clients and staff of Moore Stephens Australia and the clients and staff of all affiliated independent accounting firms (and their related service entities) licensed to operate under the name Moore Stephens within Australia (Australian Member). The material contained in this publication is in the nature of general comment and information only and is not advice. The material should not be relied upon. Moore Stephens Australia, any Australian Member, any related entity of those persons, or any of their officers employees or representatives, will not be liable for any loss or damage arising out of or in connection with the material contained in this publication. Copyright © 2011 Moore Stephens Australia Pty Limited. All rights reserved.
