Woodcroft College & ISCA Chairman
“The Council of Woodcroft College selected Governance Matters, Kate Costello, to undertake a review of its Constitution and recommend any changes necessary to align it with current good governance practices. I have also worked with Kate in my previous role as a board member of AISSA when the board and management were developing a new strategic direction and plan and, undertaking a board member good governance development program.
Kate has an in-depth understanding of governance but, with a difference: her approach is highly practical, demonstrably relevant to the particular client and explained in easy-to-understand “plain English” with real life examples. She makes complex governance issues simple. All boards/councils and senior management should have the benefit of working with her.”
Mark Porter
Head of College
ASC
“During my time as CEO, the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) ran a series of best practice governance programs around Australia for board members of sporting organisations. Kate Costello, Governance Matters, developed and presented those programs. Kate also had input to the ASC’s Governance Best Practice Principles, was appointed by the ASC as independent reviewer of Ski and Snowboard Australia and assisted with negotiations of the merger of Men’s and Women’s golf.
Kate’s expertise in governance led to her serving, with me, as a committee member appointed by the Federal Government to undertake an independent review of the governance and management of soccer in Australia which resulted in the existing structures in the Australian Soccer Federation (ASF).
Kate has extensive experience in corporate governance and a real understanding of the governance issues faced by organisations. She has an impressive track record in assisting sporting organisations to adopt governance best practice in a practical way which meets the needs of the particular organisation.
I can highly recommend Governance Matters to the sporting community.”
Mark Peters
Previous CEO
Holiday Coast Credit Union
“I have no hesitation in recommending Governance Matters to any organisation that is seeking to implement a board development program, including a very clear and precise performance review that will, through its defined action steps, deliver a framework for best practice governance.”
Neville Parsons
CEO
St John Ambulance (Victoria)
“In 2009/10 Kate Costello from Governance Matters conducted a review of the governance structures, functions and processes of St John Ambulance (Victoria).
Kate’s expertise in governance led to her serving, with me, as a committee member appointed by the Federal Government to undertake an independent review of the governance and management of soccer in Australia which resulted in the existing structures in the Australian Soccer Federation (ASF).
The review culminated in a written report with specific findings and recommendations which included recommendations for amendment to the Rules (Constitution). On the basis of those recommendations our solicitors redrafted the rules prior to a successful vote to approve a new board structure under the new Rules.
This was the most profound shift in the governance structure of St John Ambulance Victoria throughout our 127 year history and Kate was instrumental in helping us to achieve that.
I have no hesitation in recommending Governance Matters and Kate Costello to any organisation seeking to undertake a governance review. Kate has extensive experience in all aspects of governance and can draw from her legal background to assist the process. Kate has a very practical approach to governance and understands the complexities of member-based organisation. She is informative, consultative and appropriately persuasive.
I am happy to speak to this reference at any time.”
Stephen Horton
Chief Executive Officer
The Australasian College of Dermatologists
”It is my pleasure, as Chief Executive Officer of the Australasian College of Dermatologists, to provide a reference for Kate Costello, Governance Matters. In 2005, the College engaged Kate to undertake a radical review of its governance, particularly its governance structures, policies and processes. The review commenced with a presentation on good governance to the, then, Council, at the College’s Annual Scientific Meeting.
Despite vastly divergent views on the need for change, Kate led a highly consultative process that culminated in a successful vote at the 2005 AGM to change the constitution, particularly as it related to the governing body, which is now the Board.
In 2010, the College engaged Kate, again, to assess the effectiveness of the changes made in 2005. Her final report is due shortly.
The fact that the Board re-engaged Kate in 2010 is testament to the high regard the Board, other Fellows and management have for her governance knowledge, her inclusive consulting style, her practicality and her understanding of the politics of membership organisations and the professions.”
Rodney Sheaves
Chief Executive Officer