Enabling Impact Through Governance: Coordinating Equity Projects Across UON

The HEPPP Governance Project, led by the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), provides essential oversight and coordination for all HEPPP and SSAF-funded initiatives at the University of Newcastle. Through a dedicated Project Officer, the project ensures programs are compliant, strategically aligned, and focused on improving outcomes for students from low SES, regional, remote, and Indigenous backgrounds.

In Q1, 2025, efforts focused on finalising 2024 reporting and budget documentation. Internal HEPPP reports were submitted on time and met compliance standards, achieved through close collaboration with Finance, Strategy & Planning, and the DVCA Office.

The role also supported internal capacity-building through stakeholder workshops, clarifying HEPPP criteria and strengthening understanding of funding and reporting requirements. These sessions improved data accuracy and supported more effective project planning across the university.

To maintain alignment with HEPPP objectives, the Project Officer monitored the equity focus and budget use of all initiatives, working directly with project leads to ensure resources supported underrepresented students.

All intended Q1 outcomes were achieved, including:

• Timely submission of HEPPP reports;
• Stronger coordination across teams;
• Improved reporting practices;
• Continued assurance that equity projects reflect HEPPP priorities.

Through strategic governance and engagement, the project ensures UON’s student equity initiatives are delivered with accountability, integrity, and impact.