Senior Governance Business Lead

About Us :

Council is also engages technical specialisists to provide effective governance, accounting and finance, customer service, administration, engineering and asset management and information management services. 

About You :

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills are essential.
• Advanced skills in software system navigation, development, and information technology skills.
• Knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 & Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014.
• Ability to interpret and apply relevant legislation including the Public Records Act 1973 and Local Government Act.
• Completion of a degree or diploma in pertinent area with several years relevant experience or lesser qualifications with extensive experience.
• Current Drivers Licence.
• Experience in a local government setting is highly desirable - knowledge of Local Government practices, services & procedures.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

The criteria for selection will be:

• Experience in a similar role with a governance / compliance focus within a corporate organisation.
• Demonstrated ability to monitor legislation, undertake research, interpret legislation and regulations and prepare advice and recommendations for action.
• Demonstrated ability to lead collaboratively, respectfully and persuasively to encourage, elicit and promote continuous improvement.
• Experience in policy and procedure development, planning and implementation.
• Ability to represent the organisation positively through strong relationship management expertise and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Position Summary :

POSITION OBJECTIVE:

The Senior Governance Business Lead is responsible for the coordination of Council’s Governance services and legislative requirements as specified.

The objectives of this position are to:

• lead the governance functions of Council

• provide strategic, legislative and operational advice and direction to Council in function areas of the role

• develop and maintain compliance frameworks to assist Council in meeting its obligations under the Local Government Act and other legislative requirements.

Key Requirements :

ACCOUNTABILITY AND EXTENT OF AUTHORITY

• Has a freedom to act which is set by clear objectives and is governed by the goals, policies and budgets of the organisation and by statute and subordinate legislation.
• Accountable for the accuracy of information given to internal & external customers as a response to inquiries.
• Able to use guidelines, professional/technical knowledge or experience to solve problems, whilst having access to guidance and advice that is usually available within time to make a decision.
• Providing accurate advice and making informed decisions based on up to date knowledge and information.
• Formal input into policy development within their area of expertise.
• In consultation with the Manager People & Culture, authority is extended to providing input to policy development and decision making within the constraints of the Council Plan, policy and delegations, statutory obligations and budget.
• Ability to engage legal advice as required to ensure compliance with legislative requirements.

JUDGEMENT AND DECISION MAKING

• Problem solve applying previous knowledge and techniques to relevant situation.
• Use personal judgement and accept responsibility for quality relating to manner and method for which work is undertaken.
• Supervision and guidance is usually available when critical choices need to be made.

SPECIALIST SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Proficiency in standard procedures, practices, Acts/Regulations and understanding of precedents.
• Experience in administrative tasks associated with accurate completion of specialist forms and documentation.
• Understanding of Council policies, regulations related to the role and long term goals of the council.
• Ability to understand and adapt to changing statutory requirements.
• Knowledge to advise on statutory and policy considerations in sometimes complex or ambiguous situations.
• Sound knowledge of governance principles and practices.

MANAGEMENT SKILLS

• Ability to work effectively in a supervisory capacity to achieve the objectives determined by the Manager People & Culture.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to manage time and set priorities to achieve a broad range of outcomes despite conflicting pressures..
• Attention to detail, high level of problem solving and analytical skills required.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Ability to gain co-operation and assistance from members of the public, other employees, and other relevant internal and external clients in the performance and administration of defined activities.
• Ability to work under pressure, when necessary, to meet a deadline.
• Write report in field of expertise and / or prepare external correspondence.
• Proficient oral communication skills ensuring clarity of information and advice.
• Ability to influence others to initiate and implement positive change.
• Positive ‘can-do’ attitude that contributes to the development of a cohesive team culture.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Ability to exercise discretion and sensitivity regarding confidential issues.

Job Responsibility :

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Governance

• Ensure Council is compliant with the Local Government Act 2020 and associated regulation requirements, including but not limited to

delegations, community asset committee, pecuniary interest returns and conflict of interest requirements.

• Manage and maintain Councils Governance Frameworks, which includes by is not limited to RelianSys Software system.

• Oversee and administer Councils Gazetted Public Holidays

• Ensure Council operates within its Flag Policy protocols.

• Oversee the development of, and administering of Councillor training programs to meet legislative requirements.

• Oversee the effective coordination of the Council Election process, in conjunction with the Manager People and Culture, and the CEO. Including

ensuring Councils Website and information is up to date and relevant.

• Oversee the annual review Councils Website to ensure it meets all applicable governance and legislative requirements.

Citizenship Ceremonies

• Oversee the effective coordination and management Councils Citizenship ceremonies.

Freedom of Information

• Manage Councils Freedom of Information requests, and ensure Council is compliant with the applicable legislation.

Council Meetings and Agenda

• Oversee the development of the Council Meeting and Forum Agendas and Minutes, including the review and distribution to Councillors.

Leases and Licences

• Oversee the development and review of Councils leases and licences. Working with managers and officers to ensure leases are developed, and

reviewed in accordance with legislative requirements.

RISK AND OHS MANAGEMENT / STAFF AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following authorities and responsibilities are assigned to the levels of management and staff as shown and are based on those in the Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004.

• fely and not place at risk the health and safety of other employees, contractors, volunteers or the general public.
• Visually monitor and report risk and safety management issues to your relevant Supervisor or Manager. Assist your Supervisor or Manager to rectify risk and safety issues to make the workplace/worksite safe.
• Ensure asset related damage, hazards or potential hazards are reported to your manager, supervisor or OHS representative.
• Encourage other employees to consider safety factors within the working environment.
• Attend Risk and OHS compliance training as directed.
• Be an active member of your OHS designated working group. Show commitment to risk and safety through participation in formal and informal discussions/ meetings on risk and OHS issues.
• Cooperate with your employer and fellow employees with respect to any action taken by the employer to comply with the OHS Act.
• Comply with all Risk and OHS Management procedures and requirements.
• Attend safety meetings, tool box meetings and safety training as directed by your Supervisor of Manager.

Council Assets Responsibilities:

Take reasonable care of any council property or assets that you may use, have access to, or have overall responsibility for. Record and report to your Supervisor/Manager, any damage or potential for damage, to property or assets that you may use, have access to, or overall responsibility for. This may include risks such as accidental fire, arson, storm, flood or security.

ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

At all times, behave in a manner consistent with Council’s Code of Conduct and human resource policies and guidelines (including Bullying / Equal Opportunity / Discrimination / Sexual Harassment policy).

Ensure compliance to relevant OHS regulatory requirements and implement, promote and maintain Council’s OHS and Return to Work policies, procedures, training programs and initiatives.

Ensure compliance to relevant regulatory or legislative requirements; including but not limited to Information Privacy and Freedom of Information.

ORGANISATION ENVIRONMENT:

Reports to: Manager People & Culture

KEY COMMUNICATIONS:

Internal: Councillors, Chief Executive Officer, Leadership Team and Staff of other Council Departments, Senior Management Group, All Staff.

External: Government Bodies / Members of Parliament, Local Government supporting bodies (e.g. Municipal Association Victoria, LGPro, Victorian Electoral Commission), Solicitors, Auditors.

CHILD SAFE STANDARDS:

Yarriambiack Shire Council is committed to creating a child safe and child friendly environment where children and young people are respected, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. All staff must adhere to Council’s Child Safe Policy and procedures and ensure that any reasonable suspicion of abuse to children or young people is reported.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:

Yarriambiack Shire Council offers a work environment free from discrimination, sexual or other harassment, victimisation, vilification and bullying. Employees are expected to contribute to the maintenance of such a work environment.

PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY:

Employees must respect and protect the privacy and confidentiality of information gained or accessed during the course of their employment. Employees are required to comply with the Information Privacy Act, the Health Records Act and Council’s Confidentiality policies.

Both during and after employment with Council, employees must not:

Communicate confidential or private information to third parties.

Make use of any information gained through employment at the Shire for any purpose other than the discharge of official duties.

PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION:

RECORD KEEPING:

Record keeping responsibilities for all staff members:

Creating and capturing full and accurate records of Council business.

Adhering to Council’s Records Management Policies and Procedures.

ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW:

Every staff member is required to actively participate in the annual performance review/appraisal process with his or her supervisor.

VARIATIONS TO CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

This position description is subject to change from time to time as Yarriambiack Shire Council’s organisation may be developed or restructured. Any such reorganisation of duties shall be the subject of discussion with the position incumbent.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

As part of Yarriambiack Shire Council’s recruitment and selection process, a Pre-employment medical assessment, satisfactory Police Check and Working with Children’s Check (Vic) is required for this position.

Current Victorian Drivers Licence.

Job Functions :

Local

Job Benefits :

Selling Point :

Contact :

Human Resources