About us
Our mission and vision
Our mission is to help NFP’s, community-controlled organisations and Australian businesses strengthen their impact through tailored governance solutions that go beyond compliance – embedding clarity, accountability, and strategic foresight into every strategic decision.
Our vision is to continue to provide fit-for-purpose governance expertise, HR frameworks and admin support that contributes to your organisations sustainability.
Our Team
Jacqui
Founder | Company Secretary | Board Advisor
Jacqui is a governance professional and Founder of Governance Support Specialists, supporting not-for-profit and community-led organisations across Australia. She brings a calm, practical and solutions-focused approach to boards, executive teams and senior leaders. With experience across company secretariat functions Jacqui provides end-to-end governance support, using her strong knowledge of the Corporations Act 2001, CATSI Act and ACNC requirements. She also supports organisations with policy development, grant writing and governance advice, helping strengthen effectiveness and reduce administrative burden.
Lauren
Head of Human Resources | Strategic People Partner
Lauren is an experienced human resources professional leading the HR function at Governance Support Specialists, with almost 15 years’ experience across legal, community and corporate sectors. She brings a calm, considered approach to building best practice and compliant workplaces. Lauren works as a HR business partner, walking alongside leaders to align workforce planning, performance, change and engagement priorities. She designs and implements strong HR systems and frameworks that support consistent, effective ways of working and align people practices with organisational goals. Lauren is recognised for her collaborative, practical approach and her focus on building inclusive, high performing and sustainable workplace cultures.
Megan
Company Secretary | Board Advisor | Operational Leader
Megan is a governance and association management specialist supporting boards, CEOs and for-purpose organisations across Australia. She brings extensive experience as a Company Secretary and executive leader across professional associations in sectors including health, community services and finance. Megan specialises in board governance, regulatory compliance, policy development and governance reform, helping organisations build fit-for-purpose frameworks that strengthen effectiveness and confidence. She is known for her structured, people-centred approach and commitment to supporting boards to operate effectively and with clarity.
Leah S
Company Secretary | Governance Specialist
Leah is an accomplished Company Secretary supporting boards across education, listed companies and NFPs. A Chartered Accountant and governance specialist, she brings over 15 years’ experience in corporate governance, risk and board operations. Leah specialises in board and committee support, including meeting preparation, statutory registers and governance reporting, with strong expertise across finance, audit and risk functions. She is committed to best-practice governance through her ongoing professional development. She is recognised for her ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into clear, practical board-level reporting, and a warm, approachable delivery that immediately builds rapport.
Lisa
HR Business Partner | People & Culture
Lisa is an experienced HR professional with over 20 years’ experience across not-for-profit, local government and commercial sectors, with a strong focus on disability and children’s services. As a HR Business Partner, she supports organisations with people management, risk and compliance across diverse environments. From a strong generalist background, Lisa brings expertise in employee relations, safeguarding, risk and compliance. She takes a practical, people-centred approach to complex workplace matters, supporting organisations to meet regulatory requirements while maintaining high standards of care. Lisa is known for her approachable style, sound judgement, and commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and high-performing workplace cultures.
Leah W
Board Support Specialist | EA
Leah brings a proactive, organised approach to her work as a Board Support Specialist and Executive Assistant, making it easy for leaders to stay on track. She thrives on supporting a diverse range of clients, delivering dependable coordination, polished communications and seamless day-to-day executive support. With extensive experience supporting senior executives, Leah partners with boards and committees to keep governance and administration running smoothly - preparing agendas, minutes, registers and board packs with care and precision. Known for her discretion and sharp attention to detail, Leah brings energy, clarity and structure to complex processes - so clients can focus on decisions, not administration.
Melissa
HR & Policy Officer | Outplacement Support
Melissa is a human resources generalist with 8 years’ experience in most areas of HR ranging from policy writing, work health and safety, learning and development and recruitment. With a passion for the NFP sector, Melissa brings strong written communication skills supporting organisations to have robust HR frameworks and supporting them to have best practice HR. She is deeply committed to empowering business leaders by providing the clarity and confidence they need to navigate their HR journey. Melissa is a trained Outplacement Support Provider registered with Career Development Association Australia.
Jill
HR & Policy Officer
Jill is an experienced HR generalist with over 14 years’ experience supporting organisations through periods of change across a variety of sectors. She is known for her pragmatic approach and her ability to create practical, people-centred HR solutions that balance compliance with real-world outcomes. Jill specialises in policy development, HR systems, and translating complex HR matters into clear, easy-to-use guidance. She enjoys working behind the scenes to improve processes, strengthen frameworks, and support teams to deliver effective and sustainable people practices.
Holly
Executive Assistant | Content Creator
Holly is an Executive Assistant supporting leaders and organisations with detail-oriented and people-centred executive support. She brings a calm, organised approach to fast-paced environments, helping create structure and keep priorities on track. With over 15 years’ experience across financial services and real estate, Holly is known for her proactive communication style, attention to detail and ability to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. Holly also develops clear, engaging content including reports, newsletters and social media, helping organisations communicate with clarity and confidence.
Kate
Board Support Specialist
Kate is a Board Support Specialist who supports boards and teams with board administration, communication and day-to-day operations. She brings a structured and thoughtful approach, helping create clarity, maintain momentum and keep priorities on track. Kate’s strengths lie in improving internal processes, supporting effective communication and contributing to positive, well-functioning team environments. She works alongside leaders to streamline workflows and support consistent, efficient ways of working. Kate is known for her proactive approach and ability to bring structure and stability to evolving environments.
Alison
Board Support Specialist
A confident and experienced business professional, Alison has successfully provided executive-level support across multiple sectors including property, health, not-for-profit, and government. Alison is a self-motivated Board Support Specialist with exceptional organisational and interpersonal skills. Alison’s positive nature and strong negotiation abilities enable her to support NFP Boards to improve their governance practices.
Our Toolkit