"ANZSOG has given me another layer, another step up, to enhance what was already there. I now know how to navigate relationships for the benefit of the people who I’ve been trying to provide a platform for; which is vulnerable Aboriginal people. And now I truly understand what my purpose is." - Paulleen Markwort, Specialist Adviser – Aboriginal Reform Projects, Department of Health and Human Services (2016 EMPA alumni, Alumni Ambassador and current Alumni Advisory Council member)
ANZSOG’s inaugural Alumni Advisory Council was appointed in 2018 to represent our 3500-strong alumni and give them a greater involvement in ANZSOG’s activities and the chance to advise on our future direction.
The Council’s objectives are to build a strong, engaged and cohesive alumni community, and foster two-way communication between alumni and the ANZSOG executive, and between alumni and public services.
It provides strategic advice to ANZSOG on program delivery, support capability and leadership development in the public service, and encourages equity and diversity in ANZSOG program participation.
The Council continues to evolve and adapt, reflecting ANZSOG’s deep and genuine commitment to strong public administration, reflecting the aspirations of – and our close relationship with – our government owners. The current Alumni Advisory Council consists of 20 members from across ANZSOG’s jurisdictions, co-chaired by Janet Schorer and Cheryl Leavy.
The Council meets regularly and is also in contact with ANZSOG Dean and CEO Ken Smith and senior ANZSOG staff.
A message from the Co-chairs:
“As ANZSOG alumni, we are charged with strengthening public sector leadership and ultimately improving the lives of the communities we serve. ANZSOG itself continues to be a global leader in education and government-focused research helping guide us through everything volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous during this historic time.”
“Please feel free to reach out to us via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any feedback or suggestions to help us with the Council’s important work or to notify ANZSOG of an alum’s achievement.” - Janet Schorer and Cheryl Leavy.
Images: Janet Schorer (left) and Cheryl Leavy (right)
View current council members here.
We thank previous members for their time on the Council. Previous members include:
Download terms of reference (pdf) word version
View members of the Alumni Advisory Council
Purpose
The ANZSOG Alumni Advisory Council is the alumni peak representative body.
The Council represents the interests and views of a diverse alumni community and contributes to ANZSOG activities including, but not limited to: alumni programs and activities, stakeholder relations and engagement, marketing and communications, program development.
The Council provides advice to the ANZSOG Dean/CEO and Executive Management Team.
The Council draws on the expertise and engagement of Alumni to ensure that this important community can influence the future direction of the School.
The Council acts as an advisory body, reporting to the ANZSOG Dean and CEO, and working closely with the ANZSOG Executive and Academic Management Teams via an ANZSOG representative (Marketing and Communications Director).
Objectives
To build a strong, engaged and cohesive alumni community.
To foster appropriate, two-way communication between alumni and the ANZSOG executive and academics and between alumni and the public service.
To ensure the delivery of high quality, high value and innovative alumni programs and services.
To encourage support of ANZSOG as a demand driven agency owned by Australian and Aotearoa-New Zealand governments.
Membership
A member of the ANZSOG Alumni Advisory Council is selected to hold the position based on:
Council members must agree to actively participate in and accept the responsibilities of Council membership. Council members will:
Advise ANZSOG management on strategically important alumni-related issues, including
strategies, programs and services that benefit alumni, and propose actions to enhance the wellbeing of the alumni community. Provide insightful input on ANZSOG directions and priorities.
Communicate the interests and concerns of alumni broadly to ANZSOG management and faculty.
Evaluate how decisions will affect/benefit both ANZSOG and alumni in the short and long- term.
Build relations between alumni, students, management and faculty, public sector departments and agencies, and engage with local alumni to build understanding of their needs and expectations.
Be visible advocates for ANZSOG and the alumni community by serving as ANZSOG’s representatives and spokespeople in the community, workplace and other professional networks.
Advise on, endorse and provide visible leadership of ANZSOG’s alumni program and engagement strategies and encourage alumni involvement in ANZSOG.
Accept leadership and participatory roles in ANZSOG’s strategic project teams, programs,
activities and events as needed and work closely with staff on behalf of ANZSOG.
Remain engaged and committed to the Council during the length of their term and attend and participate in Council meetings each year and telephone conference calls as needed to fulfill the Council and project team commitments.
Represent the diverse views of alumni and actively seek to broaden the influence of alumni and ANZSOG.
Composition and terms
The Council is comprised of a minimum of 10 members from the Australia and New Zealand alumni community. An ANZSOG representative (Director Marketing and Communications) will be present at all Council meetings and act as the key liaison between ANZSOG and the Council.
One or two alumni members will be selected from each jurisdiction:
A member of the ANZSOG Marketing and Communications team will provide secretariat support for the Council.
Council members will serve a two-year term and may apply for re-selection for one additional term. After the maximum membership time of four years, Council members must step down for at least one term before being eligible once again for Council membership. Council members will begin their term at the first Council meeting of the year and end their term at the last.
The Chair will be decided by a self-nomination process and a council member vote. In the event of a tied vote, rotating Chairs may be considered. The Chair will serve a two-year term and may apply for re-selection for one additional term. After the maximum membership time of four years, the Chair must step down from the position (but not necessarily from the Council). The Chair must step down for at least one year before being eligible once again for the position. An acting Chair should be nominated to allow for a council member to fill the position in the unexpected absence of the Chair.
Meetings and work program
The Council will meet at least twice per calendar year (time and location to be advised). ANZSOG will fund members to attend one meeting per year in person. The second meeting each year will be via video conference. Meetings will be scheduled to ensure timely advice to ANZSOG executive meetings. The Council may meet more than twice a year should the need arise.
Council members will establish an annual work program that may require some activity in between meetings. This may include: representing ANZSOG at education, thought leadership or research and advisory programs and events, communicating and meeting with local alumni and strategic partners.
Selection
ANZSOG will call for expressions of interest from alumni. Interested alumni will be asked to submit their CV and a one-page statement summarising how they will deliver on the membership requirements outlined above.
The Dean and CEO, Director Marketing and Communications and other key staff will review applications and oversee the selection process. The composition of the Council will ensure:
ANZSOG reserves the right not to appoint to all 18 possible council positions and to stagger initial appointments to support continuity and knowledge transfer as membership is refreshed. Feedback will be provided to all alumni nominees
