SESSION OVERVIEW
This session showcases how the Griffith University Gold Coast Student Guild reimagined its governance model to embed student voice and strengthen its governance foundations. Through a comprehensive Governance Review, the Guild co-designed a new Board and sub-committee structure combining elected student representatives with external members and introducing five Board sub-committees: Governance & Nominations, Finance Risk & Audit, and three student-led committees.
The result is a governance system that balances strong oversight with authentic student partnership, creating multiple, formal pathways for students to influence strategy, policy, finance and operations. The process was collaborative, transparent and proudly pragmatic – free of politics, grounded in partnership, and always centred on students.
Attendees will gain practical insights into how student-led organisations can modernise governance frameworks to strengthen voice, continuity and credibility –translating consultation into co-governance.
PRESENTERS
Jess Brown is an experienced not-for-profit leader with over 15 years’ experience delivering student experiences across sport, marketing, and student and commercial services. As CEO of the Griffith University Gold Coast Student Guild and Chair of the Student Experience Network (SEN), Jess has a diverse higher education background and has driven major initiatives that strengthen student voice, organisational resilience, and governance modernisation. Her leadership is grounded in collaboration, community impact, and creating environments where students are placed at the forefront of decision-making.
Jess Reed has built a career championing student organisations and reshaping how they operate for impact. With experience leading governance reform, strategy development, commercial optimisation, and student-voice initiatives, Jess brings both practical know-how, hands-on experience, and a passion for student-led decision-making. As founder of Campus Experience Co., she partners with universities and student associations across Australia to develop strategies that refine commercial performance, strengthen governance, and elevate the student experience. Jess is known for making complex strategy and governance feel accessible, turning frameworks and balance sheets into tools that empower students and build vibrant, future-ready campuses.