Governance Corner

After a short mid-year break, the LESNW board are due to meet on 19 August. Some of the topics that will be discussed are:

• The new strategic intentions
  This has been “drilled down” by the LESNW regional team to set specific actions around each goal with measurable outcomes. As you are no doubt aware, it’s not just about setting a strategy. We need to be able to measure how we are tracking against the key areas to make sure that we are achieving what we set out to do.

• FRAC and Board appointments
  We have had some interest in both FRAC and Board membership, so we will also discuss those candidates to make sure we have an experienced and diverse board that has a great mix of skills and experience.

• Board Evaluation
  This is an area that I personally feel I have not focussed on enough over the past couple of years. It’s always a great chance to reflect on the accomplishments of the board, areas that can be improved on and what areas we may need to focus on moving forward. It’s also a great chance to gain valuable feedback from our board members in terms of the board chair leadership and effectiveness. For educational organisations, the end of the calendar year is a great time to do this, so this is what we will be aiming for.

Another focus for us is our governance committee, ensuring that our policies are up to date and relevant, looking at our board appointment process and succession planning. Whilst this may sound and seem quite a “dry” topic, it’s vital that our policies and procedures are first class to ensure the organisation is working effectively and within its charter.

In a chapter of Tom Wright’s book entitled “Surprised by Scripture”, he writes about engaging in tomorrow’s world. I am always challenged personally on how effective I can be in my Christian faith when we are now living in a post-Christian society (my view on society). He states that the tension between Christ and culture has been around for 2 millennia, so it is no different now. He writes:

“(But) since Jesus’s way of life is the path of self-giving love, that mission and service can never be about imposing a would-be Christian policy or ethic on an unwilling or unready public, but rather allowing Jesus’s way of bringing his kingdom to work through us and in us.” (T Wright, 2015, pg. 183)

Lutheran Education, and in particular the work you do day-in day-out, fulfils all that Tom Wright encourages us to do and be. This gives me a sense of hope, encouragement and motivation to be part of something that is making a difference.

Yours in His service

Paul