JourneyOnline
Below is a summary of the Synod Standing Committee (SSC) meeting—held on Thursday, February 3, 2022 – to inform the wider Queensland Synod community of the discussions, deliberations and decisions arising from that meeting.
Audit and Risk Committee.
The SSC resolved by consensus to approve a remuneration package for the Chairperson and members of the Audit and Risk Committee. The SSC acknowledges the efforts of the Audit and Risk Committee in providing advice to the SSC on matters relating to corporate governance responsibilities. The package took effect on January 1, 2022.
COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
Effective 1 February, all ministry agents, Synod Office staff and enterprise staff are required to be double vaccinated. Eligible staff were invited to return to the Synod on February 7. 85 Synod staff and 213 Ministry agents/supply ministers are policy compliant.
The SSC has previously stated that it recognises the role of the Queensland Synod under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Queensland) and the D1.1 Synod Wide WHS Framework requirements to continue providing a healthy and safe working environment so far as reasonably practicable for all workers regardless of placement or position.
Changes to Synod office structure
The resignations of key senior leadership fostered a review of the Synod office structure. Grant Weaver was appointed Executive Director of People, Culture and Learning. The General Counsel and team will now report directly to the General Secretary, and the CIO role has been relegated, and a Head of Technology has instead been appointed.
Updates from the Moderator and General Secretary
The Moderator updated the SSC on activities throughout December and January, which included congregational visits to Rockhampton and Townsville and community engagements. The Anti-Discrimination Act Review was an opportunity to meet with denominational church leaders to discuss a combined response; Professor Nick Aroney from the University of Queensland was asked to help with a draft. The final submission is due on March 1.
The General Secretary provided the SSC with a Culture Blueprint for the Synod office and activities relative to high-level operating concepts and values. Areas of concentrated activity identified through strategic priorities for the 2022 calendar year were also shared.
Congratulations to those who received extensions or nominations to positions within several Synod boards, commissions, and committees. The ongoing service of these members to the mission of the church is gratefully acknowledged.
The SSC approved the following appointments.
- Mr Malcolm Scanlan as a member of the Multi Cross-Cultural Reference Group (MCCRG)
- On the recommendation of the Schools and Residential Colleges Commission, Mr Nick Lord is a member of the Kings College Council for the period from April 8, 2022, to April 7, 2025.
- On the recommendation of the Schools and Residential Colleges Commission, approve Mr Simon Armstrong’s appointment as a member of the Scots PGC College for the period from February 4, 2022, to February 3, 2025.
