First Nations Reference Group EOI

Express your interest

Earlier this year, we established a small group of First Nations advisors to inform the development of Understorey with a First Nations lens and support development and curation of First Nations-related information and educational resources for the social enterprise sector.

The Reference Group currently consists of 4 people:

We’re now seeking to expand this group.

Social enterprises are operated by, for and with people from many different demographics across Australia. Recognising this, we are seeking to enhance diverse perspectives on our First Nations advisory group, to include a variety of ages (from youth to older perspectives), genders and geographic locations (specifically Torres Strait Islands).

First Nations individuals and First Nations-led organisations contribute valuable resources and materials to Understorey – an online resource available to all and shaped by all who choose to take part.

The First Nations Reference Group will help guide and shape content on Understorey, ensuring it remains relevant and respectful; identify knowledge and practice gaps; and advise on the commissioning of new resources where needed.

If you are interested in joining, we invite you to review the Key Information section below and apply by completing this form. We are seeking expressions of interest from First Nations people with expertise related to social enterprise. Applications close on 16 April 2025, and we aim to appoint additional members by 30 April 2025.

Key information

Overview

The Social Enterprise Development Initiative (SEDI) is an initiative of the Australian Government. Social Enterprise Australia (SEA) is the SEDI Education and Mentoring Coordinator. SEDI education and mentoring aims to grow participation and capability in the Australian social enterprise sector through:

Curating leading practice materials, tools, or training modules, or commissioning new ones where gaps exist
Commissioning peer learning communities
Bringing these elements together in one site online - Understorey
Ensuring that inputs and ideas from across Australia’s diverse social enterprise sector informs Understorey’s development. This includes rural and regional, First Nations, and culturally and linguistically marginalised voices.

Purpose

The First Nations Reference Group has been established to provide guidance to Social Enterprise Australia in its efforts to develop and curate relevant First Nations-related information and educational resources for the Australian social enterprise sector ("the Sector"), as part of the SEDI Education and Mentoring Coordinator program ("the Program").

Objectives

Review and advise on information and education components of SEDI and its support of learning communities, including specific content.
Help source materials and provide insight on resource gaps.
Help identify knowledge and practice gaps experienced by social enterprises.

Membership

The group will have 6 members representing diverse expertise, experience, and perspectives relevant to social enterprise.
Members will have experience working with social enterprises and be equipped to provide informed reviews of Sector-based information and educational resources.
Members will serve an initial term of one year, with the possibility of renewal or extension based on mutual agreement.
Members will be asked to sign an agreement/letter of engagement with SEA covering the scope and terms of their roles, ways of working, code of conduct, and contracting terms.
Membership will not restrict Members or associated entities from tendering for other Program-related contracts/services.
Membership will be published on the Understorey website.

Meetings and engagement

The group will meet regularly (frequency is to be determined by the group), with additional meetings convened on an 'as-needed basis'. Early meetings will provide a space for the group to develop their terms of reference and decide on engagement processes.

Meetings will be held virtually, with agendas and supporting materials circulated in advance.
SEA will provide relevant support to all meetings.
Meeting summaries will be circulated to members following each meeting.

While approvals are not delegated to the group, a record of Members' support and dissent with respect to proposals and recommendations will be maintained.

Members will be asked to provide 12 hours of their time to support the Program per year. Members will be offered a fee of $3,300 per year, including GST (or $3,000 GST exclusive), paid in half-year instalments in advance.

To apply, please complete this form.

If you have any questions, please send an email to sherryl@socialenterpriseaustralia.org.au.

Last updated: Wednesday 2 April 2025