The Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) Council met on 12 February 2026 in Melbourne to consider a number of strategic, operational and regulatory matters relating to the quality, safety and professionalism of Victoria’s teaching workforce.

Council acknowledged the Traditional Owners of the lands on which the meeting took place, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Eastern Kulin Nation, and paid respects to Elders past and present. 

Reports from the Chairperson and CEO

The Council received updates from both the Chairperson and CEO, noting recent engagement activities across the education and regulatory sectors and ongoing work to strengthen governance effectiveness.

The Chairperson highlighted progress implementing recommendations from the independent review of the Professional Conduct Branch and noted his participation in the AICD Company Directors Course, which was very valuable for his role as chairperson.

The CEO provided an update on organisational priorities, including commencement of the People & Culture reform program, development of VIT’s 2026–2030 Gender Equality Action Plan, progress in enterprise bargaining, and targeted operational measures that supported timely assessment of teacher registrations as Term 1 gets underway.

Council also noted publication of the Q4 2025 VIT Regulatory Impact Statement, continued national engagement through the Australasian Teacher Regulatory Authorities, and ongoing work across major reform streams including child safety, public register review, Ministerial Direction implementation, and the VIT Voice project.

Statement of Intent 2026

Council approved VIT’s Statement of Intent 2026, a strategic document which sets out the VIT’s priority areas for the year ahead. The Statement outlines a program of activity focused on strengthening teacher quality, modernising regulatory pathways, improving the efficiency and fairness of VIT’s processes, and deepening co-regulatory partnerships in response to significant sector reforms. 

VIT Voice Project

Council endorsed the implementation plan and positioning statement for the VIT Voice Project. This work will change how VIT communicates as an independent regulator to maintain trust, clarity and authority while also improving accessibility and connection with stakeholders. The project will support VIT to communicate in a way that is contemporary, consistent and engaging so that regulatory information is easier to understand, more user centred and better aligned with the needs and expectations of teachers, employers, parents and the broader community.

Victorian Selection Framework

The Council discussed the report of the Victorian Selection Framework into Initial Teacher Education for 2024, which is to be formally submitted to the Minister of Education.

Financial Performance & Forecast

Council noted and endorsed the Quarterly Financial Report as at December 2025. The Council approved the revised 2025–26 Financial Forecast, noting the Institute’s continued financial sustainability and ongoing investment in regulatory reform, digital capability, and staff wellbeing.

Professional Conduct

Council considered updates from the Professional Conduct Committee including the reporting on regulatory performance. Council also discussed the financial and operational implications associated with the ongoing reforms of professional conduct processes, reflecting VIT’s commitment to timely, fair and proportionate decision making.

Child Safety Reforms

Council discussed the evolving child safety landscape, including key issues arising from recent legislative reforms and the establishment of new regulatory entities and arrangements. Council stated its commitment to the importance of collaboration, clear information sharing, and alignment across the regulatory system to ensure safe learning environments for children and young people.

Committee Reports

Council received updates from its Accreditation Committee, the Audit, Risk Management and Finance Committee, and the establishment of a new People & Culture Committee, which will meet for the first time shortly.

Engagement with VIT Leadership Group

Council members joined VIT’s Leadership Forum for morning tea, creating an opportunity for deeper connection with VIT’s leadership community and discussion of the Institute’s reform program.

The next Council meeting will be held on Wednesday 1 April 2026.