Council Support
The governing bodies of the University, including the Council, Standing Committees of Council, Academic Senate and the Executive Leadership Team, are supported by the Secretariat Team within Governance and Assurance Services.
Governance and Assurance Services
Governance and Assurance Services (GAS) is a central administrative unit led by the University Secretary. It is dedicated to supporting the university’s governance framework and ensuring institutional integrity, accountability, and compliance.
The Secretariat Team plays a pivotal role in enabling effective decision-making at the University by providing advice and operational support to the governing bodies and executive leaders.
What does a 'Secretariat' team do?
The Secretariat Team promotes a culture of good governance across the University. We provide operational support and strategic advice to the University's governing bodies as well as the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, President of the Academic Senate, Committee Chairs and other senior staff, ensuring compliance with legislative obligations.
- provide governance advice and support
- set annual meeting cycles and reporting plans
- prepare agendas, running sheets, minutes and actions
- facilitate and provide advisory papers to Council
- organise, promote and conduct formal member elections and ballots for University bodies like Council, Academic Senate and College Boards
- induct new Council, Academic Senate and Controlled Entity Board members
- monitor the University’s interests in controlled and associated entities
- maintain the University’s internal legislative framework
- execute documents under the University Seal
- facilitate the University's governing groups to operate and make decisions according to the University of Newcastle Act 1989 , University of Newcastle By-law 2017, and other relevant rules, policies, procedures and statutory obligations
Council Cycle of Support
The Secretariat team follow a scheduled cycle of support for the governing bodies we service.
We can help you with
- Committee and Council reporting timeframes and deadlines
- Upcoming committee agenda items
- Reporting formats and templates (which template to use)
- Report content and the key elements requiring Council consideration
- Drafting and developing resolutions
- Meeting actions and outcomes reported to the Executive Leadership Team
- General governance advice
- Election information, forms and guidance
Who to contact
| Team Member | Contact me about |
|---|---|
Dianne Allen, University Secretary | Significant and high-level queries related to governance:
|
Melinda Wellham, Executive and Council Communication Officer | Services for the Chancellor and the Council:
|
Secretariat services for the Council, standing committees and Controlled Entity Boards:
| |
Executive Leadership Team | Secretariat services for the Executive Leadership Team |
Academic Senate | Secretariat services for Academic Senate and sub-committees:
|
Election Services for governing bodies | Secretariat services for staff and student elections:
|
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.