Model Policies

  • It is basic good governance for all DEECA agencies to have a Code of Conduct policy in place for board members
  • Your board's policy should be consistent with the DEECA model policy
  • The model policy is a consolidated statement of the key standards of conduct and accountabilities for board members.
  • It incorporates the Directors’ Code of Conduct (issued by the Victorian Public Sector Commission) and other governance obligations.

Standard for major agencies

Code of conduct – model policy – standard major (PDF, 350.6 KB)
Code of conduct – model policy – standard major (DOCX, 144.6 KB)

Small committees of management

See the committees of management support module for small (category 3) committees of management of crown land reserves.

Guidance notes

An overview – code of conduct (major agencies)

  • Easy-to-read overview of a board member’s obligations and good practice
  • Include in induction kits for board members of major agencies
  • Also helps experienced board members to stay up-to-date.

Code of conduct – an overview – all major (PDF, 92.4 KB)
Code of conduct – an overview – all major (DOCX, 110.6 KB)

An overview – code of conduct (small committees of management)

See the committees of management support module for small (category 3) committees of management of crown land reserves.

Governance links

Related support modules

On Board has related support modules for DEECA board members, including:

Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPSC)

As part of its role in promoting good governance in the public sector, the VPSC publishes the Directors’ Code of Conduct (which applies to board members).

The DEECA model policy (see above) incorporates the Directors’ Code of Conduct and other governance obligations and good practice.

Watchdog agencies

As part of their watchdog role, the Victorian Ombudsman, the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office (VAGO), and the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) also promote a high standard of public sector governance. For further information see the Integrity complaints support module.

Background information

What laws and other governance obligations apply?

Governance obligations in relation to the standards of conduct required of board members include:

  • section 81(1)(e) of the Public Administration Act (PAA)
  • duties of directors (board members) in section 79 of the PAA
  • accountabilities of the board collectively – see sections 81, 82 and 85 of the PAA
  • Directors’ Code of Conduct, which applies to board members
  • any specific requirements in the agency's establishing Act.

Page last updated: 03/04/24