Model Policies
- Your board must have a board meetings and decisions policy that sets out how board meetings will be conducted and minuted and ensures that each board decision is valid and in the public interest
- Your board’s policy should be consistent with the relevant DEECA model policy.
Standard for major agencies
Meetings and decisions - model policy - standard major (PDF, 1023.8 KB)
Meetings and decisions - model policy - standard major (DOCX, 627.3 KB)
Small committees of management
See the committees of management support module for small (category 3) committees of management of crown land reserves.
Templates
Agenda template – board meetings
The agenda template for board meetings is in Appendix 1 of the relevant model policy.
Minutes template – board meetings
The minutes template for board meetings is in Appendix 2 of the relevant model policy.
Guidance notes
An Overview – board meetings and decisions (major agencies)
- Easy-to-read overview of a board member’s obligations and good practice
- include in induction kits for board members of major agencies
- also helps experienced board members to stay up to date.
Meetings and decisions - overview - all major (PDF, 809.3 KB)
Meetings and decisions - overview - all major (DOCX, 611.6 KB)
An Overview – meetings and decisions (small committees of management)
See the committees of management support module for guidance on small (category 3) committees of management of crown land reserves.
About the model policy
The guidance note explains why the model policy has certain wording and requirements and includes tips on implementing the policy.
Meetings and decisions – about model policy – all major (PDF, 773.8 KB)
Meetings and decisions – about model policy – all major (DOCX, 680.1 KB)
Governance links
Related support modules
On Board has related support modules for DEECA board members, including:
Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPSC)
As part of its role in promoting good governance in the public sector, the VPSC issues the Directors’ Code of Conduct, which applies to board members.
Join a public board
Join a public board also provides whole-of-sector governance guidance on public sector board and committee operations. See the Guidance and templates for your board page for board meeting resources and templates.
Integrity agencies
As part of their watchdog roles, the Victorian Ombudsman, the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office (VAGO), and the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) also promote high standards of public sector governance. For further information see the Integrity complaints support module.
Some of the reports published by the Victorian Ombudsman and VAGO investigate whether or not board decisions are being made in the public interest. Other agencies may find these reports useful reading.
Background information
What laws and other obligations apply?
Governance obligations in relation to board meetings and decision-making include:
- section 81(1)(h) of the Public Administration Act (PAA)
- duties of directors (board members) in section 79 of the PAA
- Directors’ Code of Conduct, which reinforces the public sector values in section 7 of the PAA
- any specific requirements in your agency's establishing Act (or terms of reference).
Reviewed 3 September 2024
Page last updated: 09/09/24