The department’s corporate office organisational structure is designed to ensure effective alignment of functions and operations. The structure promotes clear lines of reporting and accountability within and between the organisational groups, to support appropriate, open and transparent communication and decision making.

Governance framework

The governance framework (PDF 496 KB) aims to help inform employees about the department’s governance to support them in their role in the delivery of our Strategy for Public Education in South Australia.

The governance framework describes the elements of good governance that support our purpose, principles and values, and shape our decision making and practices to achieve our strategic intent.

This framework details governance mechanisms including:

• strategic planning and management, and the policy settings that support delivery of our strategy
• the legal and authorising environment in which we operate
• organisational structure and practices that enable and support our work, including risk management and improvement approaches
• stakeholder engagement principles and mechanisms including the Aboriginal Voice Framework.

The framework is updated at least annually to make sure it continues to be in line with our strategic priorities, service delivery, corporate obligations and legislative requirements. This also acknowledges change and the need for ongoing improvement.

Boards, working groups and committees

There are committees that help the chief executive make sure there are enough resources and support for the department to deliver objectives.

There are 4 types of committee in the department:

• governance – directly supports the chief executive or the Senior Executive Group in meeting their roles and responsibilities
• management – directly supports a specific executive to meet their roles and responsibilities
• mandated – required by  legislation or government policy
• discussion/advisory/reference – provides input to the main governance, management or mandated committees/groups.

Boards, committees or working groups can be set up by the Chief Executive to give direction and advice to the Chief Executive or Senior Executive Group (PDF 304 KB) .

Establishing a governing body, working group or committee

Key considerations when establishing a governing body, working group or committee include clear terms of reference or a charter that articulates the:

• purpose and role of the governing body or committee and ensure alignment with the organisation’s purpose (if a statutory role, ensure compliance with the enabling legislation)
• requirement to apply the principles of good governance articulated in the governance framework (for example role-modelling organisational values, transparency, clear outcome measures, and risk management)
• statement of membership composition
• responsibilities of the members and their accountabilities
• reporting arrangements, including time frames for reporting and a list of agreed objectives against which performance can be measured
• sunset or review date.

Other key governance considerations for setting up a governing body, working group or committee are outlined in the department's governance framework (PDF 496 KB) .

Governing councils

The management and educational leadership of a school, preschool or children’s services centre is the joint responsibility of the relevant governing council and the principal or preschool director and employees.

The Education and Children’s Services Act 2019 prescribes the functions, roles, powers and operational rules of these governing councils.

Other governance structures

A range of corporate governance structures exists across the department to make sure decisions are based on good evidence, and to make sure the way the organisation is set up is the best way to achieve our objectives.

See the summary of the department’s organisational alignment for more information.