Delivering an executive search to strengthen governance and risk culture for a Victorian independent school
The Brief
Future Leadership™ was engaged by an independent girls’ school in Victoria to appoint a Risk, Compliance and Policy Manager. The school sought a senior professional to lead the development and implementation of a robust compliance framework, enhance risk culture, and ensure alignment with regulatory obligations across its three campuses. The appointment was critical to supporting the Principal, Business Manager and Board in maintaining high standards of governance, safety and operational integrity.
The role required a candidate with deep experience in risk management within education or regulated environments, strong stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to lead policy reform and compliance reporting. The school had recently commenced rollout of CompliSpace, and familiarity with this platform was considered advantageous.
The Process
Future Leadership™ undertook a comprehensive search process tailored to the organisation’s needs.
Key steps included:
- Briefing and Strategy Development: Engaged with the Principal, Business Manager and senior stakeholders to understand the strategic priorities and compliance challenges.
- Targeted Candidate Search: Leveraged sector networks and targeted outreach to identify candidates with experience in education risk frameworks, policy development and stakeholder training.
- Candidate Assessment: Three candidates underwent first round panel interviews and provided written statements addressing key competencies.
- Final Evaluation: Final candidates progressed to second stage panel interviews and presented their strategic approach to risk culture and compliance assurance to the Business Manager and senior leadership team.
Capabilities
Governance and Compliance
Demonstrated ability to lead regulatory audits, policy reform and compliance reporting frameworks.
Stakeholder Relations
Proven success in engaging school leaders, boards and committees to embed risk awareness and training.
Strategy and Purpose
Ability to align risk management with organisational objectives and strategic priorities.
Communication and Influence
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including board-level reporting and staff training.
Culture and Engagement
Experience in building a risk-aware culture through leadership development and staff engagement.
The Outcome
The executive search process resulted in the appointment of a seasoned Risk and Compliance Manager with over five years’ experience in independent schools and financial services. The successful candidate had led VRQA and ESOS audits, implemented child safety programs, and built risk awareness across school communities. Their appointment has enabled the school to strengthen its compliance reporting, embed a proactive risk culture, and support leadership in meeting governance obligations.
