AgriFutures Australia is seeking applications from appropriate individuals and organisations for a Board Secretary.

Submissions close 5pm AEST Friday, 18 July 2025.

Background

The Board Secretary will play a critical governance and advisory role in ensuring the integrity, efficiency, and effectiveness of AgriFutures Australia’s Board operations. The Board Secretary will support the Board and its committees to discharge their legal, ethical, and strategic responsibilities in accordance with the PIRD Act, the PGPA Act, and best practice corporate governance principles. The provider will help ensure our organisation continues to meet its obligations as a public statutory corporation while fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and performance aligned with the public good.

Download full RFQ document

Service Requirements

AgriFutures is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced consultant to provide independent secretarial and governance services to our Board of Directors. We welcome applications from individuals or businesses, however we request a single dedicated resource to be allocated to this work.

The successful provider will be contracted for 20 hours per week for a period of one year, with the option to extend for an additional two years at the sole discretion of AgriFutures Australia.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Governance and Compliance

• Ensure all Board and committee practices comply with relevant legislation and agreements.
• Monitor and advise the Board on compliance with the Board Charter, Standing Orders, and terms of reference.
• Act as the custodian of the organisation’s governance framework and policies.
• Promote ethical standards and alignment with government expectations for Research and Development Corporations (RDCs).

2. Board and Committee Operations

Coordinate Board and committee meetings (Audit and Risk; People and Culture), including scheduling, agenda development, and distribution of materials. Current meeting cycles are:

Board Meetings | Duration: 1-2 days | Held: Sept, Dec, Mar, Jun
Audit Committee | Duration: 2-3 hours | Held: Oct, Jan, Apr, Jul, Sept
People & Culture | Duration: 2 hours | Held: Nov, Feb, May, Aug

• Prepare accurate and timely minutes, resolutions, and records of decisions.
• Maintain a register of Board decisions and oversee follow-up of action items.
• Manage Board induction and ongoing governance education.

3. Strategic and Organisational Stewardship

• Provide strategic governance advice during key transitions (e.g. CEO or Chair appointments, strategic planning cycles).
• Facilitate collaboration between the Board and Leadership Team in line with shared stewardship principles.

4. Risk and Performance Oversight

• Support the Audit and Risk Committee in fulfilling its compliance and oversight functions.
• Ensure systems are in place for conflict-of-interest declarations and management.
• Assist the Board in embedding and monitoring performance frameworks aligned with the Statutory Funding Agreement.

5. Stakeholder Confidence and Public Good

• Promote transparency and accountability in governance processes.
• Ensure Board deliberations are informed by the principles of public good, system-wide impact, and integrity.
  Support the Chair with stakeholder engagement logistics and reporting.

OBJECTIVES

• Ensure the Board and its committees operate with the highest standards of governance and compliance.
• Provide strategic and operational support that enables the Board to fulfil its legislative, ethical, and fiduciary responsibilities.
• Enhance the organisation’s transparency and reputation with stakeholders and the broader public.
• Strengthen the connection between Board oversight and organisational performance and strategy.

Timeline

Submissions

SUMMARY

Provide a summary highlighting how your organisation’s approach and services are a best fit for provision of the Board Secretary, AgriFutures Australia.

Please provide testimonials or references from companies that you have provided a similar service.

SUBMITTING A RESPONSE

Applications for this Request for Quote must be submitted to the designated Contact Officer.

Respondent’s will be expected to provide:

• Capability and relevant experience of the dedicated resource for this work.
• Rates and fees – hourly, weekly, monthly and/or total annual amount.
• Examples of similar work the respondent has completed.

The resultant Contract is expected to commence on 15 August 2025

It is expected that a contract will be awarded based on how well a respondent addresses the objectives of the tender. Selection will be based on the evaluation criteria. A detailed response will be beneficial.

HOW TO MAKE A SUBMISSION

Applications for this Request for Quote must be submitted to the designated Contact Officer. Louise Heaslip, .

Terms of Reference

AgriFutures Australia uses standard form contracts and agreements for projects and research procured by AgriFutures Australia. These contracts and agreements set out the terms on which AgriFutures Australia will engage successful applicants to carry out the project.

Applicants must be familiar with the contracts and agreements before submitting a response and are advised to seek legal advice beforehand.

These contracts and agreements have been developed to reflect AgriFutures Australia’s statutory and other procurement responsibilities.

If you require any amendments to the standard agreement, please complete the statement of non-compliance for each of the relevant clause. AgriFutures will then assess those requests.

Applicants will be taken to have agreed to all clauses in the Research Agreement that are not referred to in a statement of non-compliance. The extent of any non-compliance will be a factor in AgriFutures Australia’s evaluation of the application.

If you require further information regarding these contracts and agreements please, contact:

Stephanie-Kate Bratton
Legal Counsel, AgriFutures Australia

Contact

Louise Heaslip
General Manager, Corporate
AgriFutures Australia