After 150 years as an unincorporated institution of the Uniting Church in Australia, the incorporation of Wesley College as a new legal entity Wesley College Melbourne, became effective on 1 September 2016.
The College worked closely with the Uniting Church in Australia (Victoria and Tasmania) throughout the transition to legal independence and the implementation of new contemporary governance arrangements to support the College as it moved towards legal independence from the Church.
A revised constitution was approved on 19 November 2016 at a Special General Meeting of Wesley College. The transfer of land trusteeship to Wesley College from the Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (Victoria and Tasmania) was completed on 8 December 2016.
Wesley College Council responsibilities
The Wesley College Council meets approximately nine times each year and is responsible for overall governance of the College, strategic direction, reviewing plans and budgets, and related performance monitoring.
The revised constitution gives broader capabilities to the Council so a separate Council Purpose and Responsibilities Statement has been prepared. This statement acts as an internal guideline covering the role of the Council, the Principal and various committees.
The Council is also responsible for the appointment of the Principal who has responsibility for the operation and administration of the College. The Principal reports to the Council on all educational and administration matters.
The Council prepares an annual delegation of authorities list, specifying the authority level of each person and/or committee. This list is provided to the Principal, committees and staff members of the College.
Click here to download the Wesley College Council Charter
To request a copy of the Wesley College constitution, please email principal@wesleycollege.edu.au
Committees
The Council has five appointed Committees with particular responsibilities:
- The Nominations Committee considers and recommends to Council the names of people suitable for the office of Councillor. It also recommends the names of people suitable to sit on other Committees of the Wesley College Council. Click here to view the Nominations Committee Charter.
- The Finance and Risk Management (FARM) Committee, which is responsible for the College’s financial affairs and risk management strategies. Click here to view the FARM Charter.
- The Property Committee establishes the policy framework for all property dealings by the College and reviews the construction and maintenance of buildings and grounds. Click here to view the Property Committee Charter.
- The Strategy Committee examines the long-term strategic options for the College to position the College to maximise the opportunities of the 21st century. Click here to view the Strategy Committee Charter.
- The Ethics Governance and Compliance Committee ensures a culture of law abiding and ethical conduct exists throughout the College, aligned with the College’s core values and its duty of care to students and staff. Click here to view the Ethics and Governance Committee Charter.
- The Embedding Respectful Relationships Committee ensures a safe speak-up culture exists throughout the College, aligned with the College’s core values and its duty of care to students and staff. Click here to view the policy
