Better Boards Conference 2025
Master the Art of the Boardroom
25-26 July • Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Center
Presentation
A Case Study in Governance Transformation: Contemporising, Rationalising, and Innovating
Dr Colin Pettit
Chair, Parkerville Children and Youth Care
Dr Colin Pettit is never afraid to speak up, and speak loudly, on behalf of children and young people.
He has committed his adult life to improving the wellbeing of young Western Australians by challenging government and the community to do better, and by advocating for change.
After six years as Western Australia's Commissioner for Children and Young People, Colin took on the role of Chair of Parkerville Children and Youth Care in February 2022 – bringing with him a unique perspective and an incredible depth of knowledge, skills and experience.
Colin believes one of the biggest challenges facing WA children is being heard and their needs being understood by decision makers.
'It is important that we look at children's needs differently and not solely through the eyes of adults.'
'As an organisation that has, at its heart, the core value of supporting and caring for vulnerable young people and their families, Parkerville Children and Youth Care is worthy of support by all. Being part of the journey to continually improve and provide the best possible service, when families need it, is an exciting opportunity.'
Parkerville Children and Youth Care has supported children, youth, and families in Western Australia for 121 years, adapting to changing needs and delivering transformative outcomes with resilience and dedication. We strive to make WA the safest place for children: to do this, our organisation must evolve to remain future ready. Although our services have continued to adapt, Parkerville’s governance model - a single not-for-profit entity - has not.
A series of strategic/operational imperatives and opportunities made clear that Parkerville’s current corporate structure was not fit-for-purpose in three critical areas:
Insufficient legal protection for key assets
Inflexibility in governance and service integration, and
Difficulty diversifying income and ensuring financial sustainability.
Considering both these challenges and opportunities, within an ever-changing social, political, and economic landscape, Parkerville has crafted a proactive, agile response: a hybrid incorporated association/company limited-by-guarantee to catalyse: Greater asset protection Income stream diversification and growth Fundraising expansion and professionalisation Agility in responding to changing community needs Innovative service offerings through Parkerville’s values-driven culture The respectful management of Parkerville’s history
We will discuss the design and implementation of this governance transformation, providing a case study on creatively future-proofing an established organisation, whilst safeguarding the underpinning values-driven and place-based ethos.
Master the art of the boardroom
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