About the partnership

In September 2018, the Department of Education and Victorian Council of Social Service signed a Partnership Agreement.

This Partnership Agreement built on previous commitments, and stood in recognition of the community sector’s critical role in the development of policy, the delivery of services and the improvement of outcomes for all Victorians, particularly those who are vulnerable or experiencing disadvantage.

DE and the community sector are committed to increased collaboration, consultation and engagement.

Key principles

The Partnership Agreement emphasises cooperation and commitment to the following principles:

• a shared vision to achieve the best possible learning and development outcomes for all Victorians, particularly people who are vulnerable or experiencing disadvantage
• mutual respect for each partner’s autonomy and responsibilities, while recognising that true partnership may require change, innovation and risk
• collaboration and the fostering of opportunities to work together on issues of mutual benefit or concern
• communication, consultation and engagement on decisions by one partner that will impact upon the other
• transparency of financial relations between the DE, VCOSS and the sector, subject to relevant legislation and policies
• a relationship that celebrates success, addresses challenges and acknowledges contributions to outcomes that are achieved
• joint leadership of the partnership, including joint agenda setting.
  

Significant achievements

The establishment of the Victorian community partnership governance group, which provides a regular forum for relationship building, policy development, and the exchange of information.

2024 VCOSS Community Sector Education Forum

The Community Sector Education Forum is a flagship event held annually by the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) supported by the Victorian Department of Education. 

The 2024 Community Sector Education Forum, held on 23 October 2024, explored the theme: 

Recommitting to the Education State:  Driving another decade of excellence and equity in education in Victoria. 

Speakers included the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, The Hon. Ben Carroll MP and the Minister Children and Minister for Disability, The Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn MP, who participated in a Q&A session, alongside world renowned Finnish professor of educational leadership Pasi Sahlberg. 

Together we explored the connections between education and community services and how the two sectors can effectively work together to shape supportive environments and communities for all Victorian learners, and sparked fresh ideas to drive another decade of education reform in Victoria.  

Forum Resources

Event Summary Report

2024 VCOSS Community Sector Education Forum Agenda

Keynote speaker: Dr Pasi Sahlberg (slide deck)

Showcase: Banksia Gardens (slide deck)

Breakout session 1: Sally Moore (slide deck)

Breakout session 2: Marcia McKenzie (slide deck)

Breakout Session 3: Smart Justice for Young People (slide deck)

2023 VCOSS Community Sector Education Forum

What Surrounds Us, Shapes Us.

2023 VCOSS – Community Sector Education Forum

VCOSS hosts an annual invite-only forum to discuss advances and challenges in the delivery education across Victoria.

This flagship event is a key component of an ongoing partnership between VCOSS and the Department of Education, in recognition of the community sector’s critical role in the development of policy, the delivery of services and the improvement of education outcomes for young Victorians.

The most recent forum was held in October 2023, with the theme What Surrounds Us, Shapes Us.

The event featured keynote presentations from:

• Ben Carroll MP. Deputy Premier of Victoria. Minister for Education.
• Lizzie Blandthorn MP. Minister for Children. Minister for Disability.
• Jenny Atta. Secretary, Victorian Department of Education.
• Amy Haywood. Grattan Institute
• Sally Lasslett. The Hester Hornbrook Academy
• Sheree Lowe. VACCHO
• Nor Shanino. Ubuntu Project
• Silvana Izzo. Trauma specialist 
• Jocelyn Bignold OAM. McAuley Community Services for Women
• Mark Singleton. MacKillop Education.
• Megan O’Connell OAM. Former Mitchell Institute / ELAA
• And many more.