Endeavour College: Prioritising Board Development
The Endeavour College board is earnest in its desire to grow from good to great, by making board development an innate feature of its culture.
On a gloriously sunny August weekend, members of the Endeavour College board came together for a full day of professional learning and growth. The day was broken into two parts.
1. Board Personalities
(Growing Deep Capability: GROWING ONESELF)
Paul tells us to make a careful exploration of who we are and the work we’ve been given (Gal 6:4). He also says that each of us is part of the body of Christ, which God has put together. Those parts that seem weaker are indispensable, and those parts that are shiny need no special treatment (1 Cor 12:18,22,24). Each part of the body has distinctive qualities and this diversity is essential to a high-functioning board.
What makes your personality unique? What qualities have you been gifted with, and how do they play out in a boardroom environment? LESNW’s Governance Leadership Director, Jane Mueller, provided insight into what experts say about boardroom dynamics, before inviting each of us to explore our own personality and identify the strengths we bring to the boardroom, as well as areas for growth.
2. What does Good Governance Look, Sound and Feel Like?
(Growing Deep Capability: FOCUSING ON OUTCOMES)
Non-government schools have been in an ideal environment for growth over the period 1980-2010. Increasing levels of government funding and disappointment with public education have supported this exponential growth. But the environment has changed rapidly over the last decade. Greater scrutiny in the form of public accountability through the ACNC, the fall-out from a Royal Commission into institutional child abuse, and greater market competition have all played their part in making the sector more complex than ever. That was before a global pandemic reared its head. At the forefront of all this change has been, and is, school boards.
A level of understanding of corporate governance and the practice of its principles is now vital in this highly regulated industry. Business of Education Consulting’s Principal Consultant, Dennis Mulherin, led us through some valuable frameworks to support our work in governance and we then practiced the knowledge and skills in a workshop.
The day encompassed reflection, complex thinking, laughter, learning, food, fellowship, and even a departing gift (book) as a reminder of conversation shared. Enjoying each other’s company was an integral feature of the day and was recognised as a critical investment in the ongoing governance of Endeavour College.
As your board plans its professional learning and growth program for 2025, you’re reminded that Governance Leadership Director, Jane Mueller, is available to support you in the development of your program, to tailor workshops to your board’s needs and/or to recommend other avenues for relevant and meaningful learning experiences.
