Beyond PMSA Process Update - Positive developments at PMSA
Welcome to the Beyond PMSA June Process Update. In recent weeks we have been inundated with requests from a great many of our supporters who are keen for more information on the progress towards transformative governance reform for our PMSA Schools. We are pleased to advise that June has been a busy month for both behind the scenes activities and interesting developments emanating from PMSA headquarters in Toowong.
Meeting with PMSA
In late May, Beyond PMSA received an approach from, and an invitation to meet with, representatives of the PMSA to discuss the PMSA’s governance reform agenda. The purpose of the proposed meeting was to explore whether and to what extent common ground on governance reform objectives may have emerged in recent months.
It is important for our supporters to understand that whilst our mandate on engagement with the PMSA has not changed (and cannot change without endorsement from you, as members of the community that we represent), we accepted the PMSA’s invitation to listen so that we could establish an informed view about whether the PMSA’s present trajectory may be likely to deliver the type of transformational change that the broader community is hoping for.
Two brief but respectful meetings have ensued, and whilst there is more work to be done by the PMSA to reach its own informed decisions on likely reforms, we are hopeful that the PMSA may decide to announce a position on key conceptual aspects of its reform process soon. We cannot pre-empt what reforms the PMSA may ultimately decide to implement but it was agreed that it will be in the interests of all parties for the PMSA to be allowed the oxygen that it needs to carefully consider its position on a number of these fundamentally important matters.
Our supporters should understand that Beyond PMSA will NOT be stepping back from this debate and will remain active! To that end, Beyond PMSA expressed its support for the PMSA undertaking the process referred to above, on the clear understanding that:
(1) we intend to reserve our position and our response until a clearer position on the proposed elements of reform emerge and are publicly announced by the PMSA;
(2) whilst the PMSA’s requirements to reach an informed consensus position are a matter for the PMSA, the Beyond PMSA community has genuine interest in a clear position emerging from the PMSA Council at the earliest possible opportunity and on a timescale that is reasonable and not unduly protracted.
We will keep you updated where it is appropriate to do so and in line with our qualified commitment to respect the PMSA’s process requirements.
New PMSA Councillors
The PMSA has announced the appointment of a number of new Councillors since our last process update.
We welcome Professor Jennifer Radbourne and Greg Braithwaite (BBC old boy) to the team. It is wonderful to see that the newly appointed council members have the relevant experience and qualifications needed on the PMSA.
We hope that these appointments will continue the renewal of the PMSA Council, leading to our end goal of excellence in good governance for the schools.
Appointment Process for New PMSA CEO
A process for the appointment of a new CEO for the PMSA is underway. The position was advertised. We have provided our views on aspects of the recruitment process in a previous blog. Whilst we are not privy to the specific details or status of that process, it is hoped that, despite our stated concerns, the pool of candidates was strong and that the selection process has been robust and will deliver a quality candidate.
The new CEO will clearly need to possess the strong skills, acumen and emotional intelligence necessary to engage in and deliver the collaborative change that is required, and which will hopefully shortly emerge, under the direction of the PMSA Council. We will provide further details once a decision is made and the appointment is announced.
Appointment of New Somerville House Foundation Board Members
Three new Board members have been appointed to the Somerville House Foundation Board.
Dominique Layt as a replacement Elected Director for Morgan Parker and two new appointed Directors, Jodie Bignall and Kerrie Mattiske. Morgan Parker has resigned from his position with the Foundation Board due to his commitments to the PMSA Council.
Dominique Layt is an Old Girl, a current parent and the Head of Stores and Specialty Banking with Suncorp. With a successful career in the banking sector, Dominique will bring to the Foundation exceptional skills in risk, governance and transformational change. Dominique has a deep passion for Somerville House and is aligned with the mission of the Foundation.
Jodie Bignall is a third generation Somerville Old Girl, a future parent and the State Director Qld at Fairfax Media. With a passion for driving business growth and transformation through people and technology and her extensive and multigenerational connection to the School, Jodie will help drive the Foundation’s communication and engagement strategy.
Kerrie Mattiske is a current parent and Queensland Manager of The John Villiers Trust. Kerrie is an experienced executive in the not-for-profit sector who will provide advice and expertise on sourcing, applying for and acquitting grants from Trusts and Foundations and other fundraising expertise.
New School Council Appointment Process
In late May the PMSA called for applicants to join the Somerville House School Council. Candidates are required to support the Christian ethos of the school, but are not required to be active members of a church. Candidates with qualifications and experience were sought in the following areas:
Governance (AICD or ICDA membership preferred);
Finance and business skills;
Project management including building, engineering or architecture;
Fund raising;
Public relations and communications.
We do not presently have any details about potential candidates or timelines for appointment, but the public call from a broad pool of potential candidates is a welcome development, provided that the selection process conforms to expected governance standards that have been agitated for in previous public statements and blogs by Beyond PMSA. We hope that this approach is replicated across other PMSA School Councils.
AICD Review Process
The PMSA’s AICD review process is continuing and we understand that AICD briefing sessions will be given to the PMSA, key members of the school executive bodies and to members of school representative bodies shortly. No details are available as yet, but it is hoped that all of the AICD’s recommendations will be appropriately adopted, insofar as they can logically align with other key reforms that have been called for by Beyond PMSA, such as changing the basis of the PMSA’s incorporation and undertaking proper constitutional reform that devolves a greater level of independence and operational control to School Councils.
Summary
In summary, there has been a lot going on behind the scenes. Whilst are some positive signs coming from the PMSA which indicate that some community concerns are being listened to, there is clearly a significant amount of additional work required. Although we are clearly expressing some cautious optimism as a result of some of these recent developments, rest assured that we are not going away and that we remain sharply focused on the issues of importance to all members of the Beyond PMSA community. We will continue to agitate for constructive solutions and the implementation of a modern future state governance framework for our schools.
Sincerely,
The Beyond PMSA Team
