The Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) Council met on 26 November 2025 to consider key governance, strategic and operational matters.

Reports from the Chairperson and CEO

The Chairperson and the CEO provided an update to the Council on recent developments including progress on wider child safety reforms at the interface with VIT; recent performance data updates signalling a steady growth in the number of registered teachers; and the successful Welcome to the Profession Conference convened by VIT on Monday 24 November 2025 for Victorian graduate teachers across early childhood, primary and secondary education.  

Financial Governance and Audit Updates

Council endorsed the July, August, and September 2025 financial reports as recommended by the Audit, Risk Management and Finance Committee. Council approved the revised Instrument of Financial Delegation to accommodate routine payments in areas including technology and staffing.

Governance and Committee Structures

Council approved the establishment of a People and Culture Committee, including its Charter and Instrument of Establishment. The Committee will strengthen oversight of workforce strategy, wellbeing, and organisation culture. Council also endorsed the cessation of the Remuneration Committee, with its functions incorporated into the new Committee. The Council noted the formal resignation of Council member David Baker on Friday 10 October 2025 and acknowledged his significant contribution to the work of the council over the past two years. The Council appointed Council member Lisa Holt as the new chair of the Accreditation committee.

Strategic Initiatives

Council endorsed VIT’s first draft Reconciliation Action Plan for submission to Reconciliation Australia. This marks a significant step in embedding reconciliation principles into VIT’s strategy, operations and stakeholder engagement.

Professional Standards and National Reform

Council noted updates on the implementation of national Initial Teacher Education (ITE) reforms and VIT’s role in supporting accreditation processes. Council also received an update on the overseas qualifications assessment service, which has assessed over 1,000 applications for assessment of overseas qualifications. This service provides clarity and confidence for internationally qualified teachers seeking registration in Victoria.

Professional Conduct

Council noted the Professional Conduct Performance Report; received a briefing on VIT’s work on a referred risk tool for the assessment of child safety risks associated with notifications in relation to teacher conduct; and received a briefing on recent changes within the Professional Conduct Branch to streamline regulatory processes and responsiveness following the recent independent review.

Dale Pearce
Chairperson

Council will next meet on - 12 February 2026.

Council membership

• Dale Pearce – Chairperson: a former principal in the state education sector;
• Kate Fogarty – Deputy Chairperson: a regional director in the Catholic education system;
• Joanna Garner: a teacher in the early childhood sector;
• Lisa Holt: a current principal in the state education sector;
• Sharelle Knight: a leader in the early childhood sector;
• Larissa McLean Davies: a nominee of the Victorian Council of Deans of Education;
• Sarah McNicol: the nominee of the Secretary of the Department of Education;
• Brenden Morris: a teacher in the independent education sector;
• Mary-Anne Pontikis: a teacher in the state education sector;
• Gabrielle Steward: a teacher in the state education sector;
• Raelene Vine: a nominee of parents;
• Eve Ward: a teacher in the state education sector; and
• Graeme Young: a teacher in the independent education sector.