The purpose and scope of LGPro's Special Interest Group Network and its Convenors Forum.
Special Interest Group Network Terms of Reference
Terms of Reference approved by the LGPro Board on 1 July 2026
Overview
Local Government Professionals (LGPro) is the peak membership body for local government professionals in Victoria. The Special Interest Group (SIG) network is integral to LGPro’s delivery of training, networking, advocacy, mentoring, and peer support to local government professionals.
Vision
The SIG network is a respected, valued network that facilitates high-quality collaborative practice and sharing of knowledge and best practice across the local government sector.
Mission
The SIG network provides a safe platform for local government professionals to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge, resources, and advice. The network also provides peer leadership and mentors those who are either new to the sector or new to their role. It actively seeks out innovation and best practice, and values agility and responsiveness.
Eligibility
SIG enrolment is open to all employees of LGPro Council Subscribers with a council email address and the associated benefits and entitlements of employment. In the event of an employee's council not being an LGPro Council Subscriber, an LGPro individual member is eligible for enrolment.
Roles and Responsibilities
- LGPro Board
Provide oversight to ensure the SIGs facilitate accessible and inclusive opportunities for local government professionals to meet and learn from each other and ensure that SIGs operate within LGPro’s resources.
- LGPro
Advise the LGPro Board of any strategic issues arising from the SIGs.
Provide administrative support and advice to SIG convenors as outlined in SIG Operational Procedures.
Provide opportunities where relevant to integrate the outcomes of the SIGs into broader LGPro operations such as conferences, training, and advocacy.
- Convenors
Be the main contact for SIG participants and LGPro, and lead the operations of the SIG in accordance with SIG Operational Procedures.
Special Interest Group Convenors Forum Terms of Reference
Terms of Reference approved by the LGPro Board on 1 July 2026
Purpose
The Special Interest Group Convenors Forum (the Forum) provides advice to the LGPro Board in fulfilling its commitment to develop and enhance the value of Special Interest Groups.
Authority
The LGPro Board has authorised the Forum, within the scope of their duties and responsibilities set out in this Terms of Reference (ToR) to perform the activities required to address its responsibilities and make recommendations to the Board.
The Board may decide to discontinue the Forum and will advise members accordingly.
Membership
The Forum shall comprise of a Chair from the LGPro Board, nominated by the Board.
The remaining Forum members shall be comprised of up to eight convenors of Special Interest Groups.
The Forum's membership will be reaffirmed every twelve months. If a vacancy occurs due to the departure of a convenor, LGPro will seek expressions of interest for membership of the Forum from SIG convenors and select convenors to join the Forum.
Chairperson
An LGPro Board member nominated by the Board to the Forum will act as Chair for this Forum.
Should the nominated Board member be absent from a meeting, that Board member may appoint another Board member to act as Chair for that meeting.
Meetings
The Forum will meet online at least once per calendar year.
The Chair or the LGPro CEO may call a meeting.
Meeting Attendance
Any person may be invited by the Chair to attend meetings of the Forum, but not necessarily for the full duration of the meeting.
Quorum
The quorum for a meeting is the presence of five members of the Forum.
Minutes
An LGPro delegate will prepare the minutes of the Forum within seven working days. The draft minutes will be circulated to all Forum members and tabled at the appropriate LGPro Board Meeting.
Reviews
The Forum will review these Terms of Reference every three years and recommend to the LGPro Board for approval any appropriate amendments.
Duties and Responsibilities
In assisting the LGPro Board to fulfil its responsibilities, the duties of the Forum will be to provide advice to the Board on any aspects of Special Interest Group strategy and operations that require the Board’s consideration.
The Forum has no financial authority and is advisory only.
Reporting
The Chair will report to the LGPro Board on Forum meetings regarding all relevant matters and appropriate recommendations for noting or approval by the Board.
