The Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) Council met in Bendigo on Tuesday 5 May 2026, followed by a Council strategy workshop and regional engagement activities in Bendigo on Wednesday 6 May 2026.

The Council acknowledged the Traditional Owners of the land on which the meeting was held, the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung people of the Kulin nation, and paid respect to Elders past and present. 

Across the two days, Council focused on governance and performance oversight, strategic direction, and engagement with teachers, school leaders and early childhood educators in a regional context.

Governance and organisational oversight

The Council considered routine governance matters, including reports from the Chairperson, Chief Executive Officer and Council committees, and noted the Action Register. 

Council noted the Third Quarter Financial Report for 2026, providing an update on VIT’s financial position and performance. The Council also welcomed the publication of the Quarter One Regulatory Impact Statement outlining the regulatory performance of VIT between January and March 2026. 

The Council was briefed on the work of the Audit, Risk and Financial Management Committee by the independent chair, who joined the Council meeting. The Committee has been reviewing the risk framework within VIT, with a particular focus on strategic risk. The Council also noted the Internal Audit Plan for 2027 – 2029 as approved by the Audit, Finance and Risk Management Committee.

The Council was briefed on the People and Culture Committee of the Council which met for the first time. The Committee reviewed a snapshot of people data and metrics and work underway on a range of policy issues including gender equity, psychosocial regulations, and actions in relation to the 2025 People Matter Survey. The Committee also reviewed an early draft of the refreshed People and Culture Strategy. 

Strategic focus and future direction

The Council held its annual strategy workshop in Bendigo, reviewing its first year of operation and recent developments in Victoria’s child safety and education environments. Council considered how VIT’s current strategic plan aligns with these changes and discussed future priorities, as well as proposed approaches to strategic reporting and performance measures to support transparency and accountability.

The Council undertook a structured reflection on its governance practices and ways of working, identifying opportunities to strengthen effectiveness and support high‑quality governance oversight and decision‑making.

Regional engagement and stakeholder insights

As part of its commitment to statewide engagement, Council and the Executive Leadership Team visited a range of education settings in Bendigo, reflecting the diversity of schools and learning environments across the region.

Council members spent time with teachers and leaders at St Killian’s Primary School, Dr Harry Little Kindergarten, Holy Rosary Primary School, Catherine McAuley College, and DOXA School, providing opportunities to hear directly about the experience of teaching, learning and leadership in a regional context.

Council met with local school leaders to hear their views and discuss shared challenges and opportunities. These discussions helped deepen understanding of regional teacher workforce issues and highlighted the value of feedback in improving our ways of working. They also reinforced the importance of ensuring regional perspectives continue to inform the work of VIT as the regulator of the teaching profession in Victoria.

The Council warmly thanked Catholic Education Sandhurst for hosting the meeting and for facilitating the school visits. 

Looking ahead

Council reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners to uphold high professional standards, support public trust and confidence in the teaching profession, and ensure VIT’s regulatory approach reflects the experiences of educators across metropolitan and regional Victoria.

The next scheduled meeting of the Victorian Institute of Teaching Council is on Wednesday 17 June 2026.