The Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) Council met at the VIT office in Docklands on Wednesday 21 October 2026. The Council acknowledged the Traditional Owners of the land on which the meeting was held, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation, and paid respect to Elders past and present.

Governance and organisational oversight

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

The Council congratulated staff on the VIT Annual Conference and planned follow up actions in relation to the feedback on teacher experience of regulation.

The Council welcomed the approval by the Fair Work Commission of the new VIT Enterprise Agreement.

Council was briefed on the new requirements for reports to the Social Services Regulator via Working with Children Connect and the interface with VIT on the development of the system.

Council received updates from the Professional Conduct Committee and reviewed the Q3 regulatory performance data. The Accreditation Committee provided an update on work underway to support Initial Teacher Education providers in relation to new accreditation standards, and reporting requirements.

The Council also received updates from the  People and Culture Committee, and the Audit, Risk Management and Finance Committee on their recent activities and priorities.

Council approved an updated Audit, Risk Management and Finance Committee Charter and endorsed the reappointment of the Committee's independent member, supporting the continued effectiveness of VIT's governance and assurance arrangements.

Council also approved the 2027 Annual Governance and Operational Cycle, providing a framework for Council and committee business, strategic oversight and organisational planning over the coming year.

Financial sustainability and fee-setting

Council discussed the development of a new Fee Setting Policy to provide a clear set of principles to guide future decisions regarding VIT fees and charges. The proposed policy is intended to support transparent, evidence-based fee setting that balances financial sustainability with affordability for teachers and applicants.

Council approved revised overseas qualification assessment fees paid by applicants using this service, and a new fee for formal review of decisions.  The changes are designed to support the efficient delivery of assessment services without imposing a fee burden on registered teachers, while ensuring VIT continues to facilitate qualifications assessment for overseas-qualified teachers seeking registration in Victoria. Council also discussed the need to maintain some flexibility depending on future demand.

Strategic planning and government engagement

Council participated in preliminary consultation on VIT's forthcoming Statement of Expectations. The discussion explored opportunities to strengthen alignment between VIT's strategic priorities and the expectations of Government, while continuing to deliver on VIT's role as Victoria's independent regulator of the teaching profession.

People and culture

Council received an update on workforce and organisational culture strategy initiatives, and progress on key people and culture priorities including our response to the 2026 People Matter Survey. The update highlighted work underway to support employee psychosocial safety, wellbeing, capability development and organisational effectiveness.

Professional Conduct Branch reform program

Council received a series of updates on the Professional Conduct Branch Reform Program, including progress against key workstreams and implementation priorities.

Council noted continuing successful efforts to reduce historical case backlogs and improve timeliness across professional conduct processes. Council also considered the organisation's evolving risk-based approach to regulatory decision-making and discussed measures to support proportionate and effective regulation.

Council received an update on improvements to formal hearing processes, including work aimed at enhancing efficiency, consistency and ensuring procedural fairness.

The Council noted the significant progress made to date and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening VIT's professional conduct framework, protecting child safety and maintaining public confidence in the teaching profession.

The next scheduled meeting of the VIT Council will be held on Wednesday 25 November 2026.