Independent Facilitator · Newcastle, NSW
Experienced, impartial facilitation for Newcastle boards, committees and leadership teams, from board workshops and governance sessions to difficult conversations, so everyone can take part and the session ends with clear outcomes.
Speak directly with David Spear
Director, VUCA Pty Ltd · FAICD · FAIM
Independent Facilitator · Newcastle
When a board or leadership team needs to work through an important issue, an independent facilitator lets everyone, including the chair and CEO, take part fully. A skilled facilitator keeps discussion focused and balanced, draws out every voice and makes sure the session ends with agreed outcomes.
Newcastle and the Hunter have a strong base of member-owned organisations, health and education bodies, energy businesses and regional not-for-profits navigating a long-term economic transition. David facilitates sessions for Newcastle boards, committees and leadership teams.
David is a National Facilitator of Governance for the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC), a nationally recognised facilitator in the Indigenous corporation sector and a regular guest speaker on director and board duties and responsibilities. His experience as an independent chair means he understands boardroom dynamics from the inside.
Tailored to your board
Every engagement is tailored to your organisation and what you want to achieve. Depending on your needs, the work may include:
Independent Facilitator
The chair and CEO can contribute as participants instead of running the session.
A neutral facilitator everyone can trust to keep the discussion fair and balanced.
Sessions stay on track and spend time on the issues that matter most.
Sensitive and difficult issues are raised openly and respectfully.
Decisions, priorities and next steps are captured so the work continues after the session.
A facilitator who has chaired boards understands how directors think and work together.
Independent, confidential, practical
Agree the purpose of the session, who will take part and the outcomes you need.
David designs the session around your issues, often after speaking with key participants beforehand.
An engaging, well-paced session that keeps discussion focused and inclusive.
A clear summary of what was agreed and the next steps.
Your advisor
David A Spear FAICD FAIM — Director, VUCA Trusted Advisors
David has over 25 years' experience in commercial business management and board directorship, including significant directorship experience over the last 10 years with Indigenous organisations. He studied board governance at Harvard Business School, completed the AICD Company Directors Course and spent eight years as SA/NT State Director of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He has served as an independent chair and non-executive director in sectors including housing, agriculture, recycling, local government, the arts and sport, and is a National Facilitator of Governance for ORIC.
Questions
An independent facilitator designs and runs a session so that it achieves its purpose: keeping discussion focused, making sure every voice is heard, handling difficult topics and capturing clear outcomes. Because they are neutral, everyone in the room, including the chair and CEO, can take part fully.
Yes. David works with boards and organisations across Australia, including in Newcastle and across New South Wales. Get in touch to discuss your organisation and how the work would be delivered.
Board workshops and strategy days, strategic planning, governance sessions, board review discussions, joint board and executive sessions, committee workshops and difficult conversations.
When the chair or CEO facilitates, they can't fully take part, and others may hold back. An independent facilitator lets them contribute as participants and gives everyone confidence that the discussion is balanced.
Yes. David is a National Facilitator of Governance for ORIC and a nationally recognised facilitator and consultant in the Indigenous corporation sector.
Every engagement is tailored, so cost depends on the size of your board or organisation and the scope of the work. Get in touch with David for a confidential proposal.
Locations
David works with boards and organisations in Newcastle and right across Australia. Also in New South Wales: Sydney, Wollongong.
Related services: Strategic Planning in Newcastle → Board Review in Newcastle → Governance Training in Newcastle →
Get in touch
A confidential, no-obligation conversation about your board or organisation and how David can help.