Special Works Committee

The Special Works Committee (the Committee) is a committee of the Board of St Vincent de Paul Society, Canberra/Goulburn (the Board). This charter governs the purpose and proceedings of the Committee.

Nothing in this charter limits any of the powers or responsibilities of the Board or the Board President (the President).

The Rule states that “Special Works may be established where a Conference or Council identifies a specific need which cannot be satisfied within the normal scope of the Conference or Council activity.”

“Special Works” are largely managed by the Special Works directorate at St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn (the Society), however, some are also managed by the Community Engagement and Youth Programs directorate. It is the intention of this Committee that it is concerned with Special Works across the Society. However, whilst The Rule includes the “operation of retail centres” as “Special Works”, they are not covered by or included for the purposes of this Charter.

The role of the Committee is to advise and assist the Board, in exercising their authority in relation to the provision of Special Works by Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn. The Committee is accountable to the Board for its performance. The Committee’s work is supported by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and his or her nominees, principally the Director Special Works and Director Community Engagement and Youth Programs and the Secretary of the Society.

The primary responsibilities of the Committee are to:

• Ensure risks associated with Special Works are highlighted and appropriately managed;
• Ensure good two-way communication between the Board and Special Works programs;
• Contribute to the Special Works annual business plan;
• Review the Special Works quarterly dashboard;
• Report to and advise the Board on the provision of Special Works; and
• Monitor the financial situation of the Special Works programs.

2025 Meeting Dates

Members:

• Helen Leayr (Chair)
• John Feint
• Brian Stacey
• Jenny McGee

Advisers:

• Antony Allen (COO)
• Lucy Hohnen (CEO)
• Stuart Davis-Meehan (Director of Special Works)
• Sarah Murdoch (Director of Community Engagement and Youth)

Secretariat:

• Frances Neuss

Special Works Committee Charter