SERG Terms of Reference

Rationale for the project

The role of the CSIRO Science Education Reference Group (SERG) is to provide advice and contribute to the development of Educator Professional Learning programs and classroom resources delivered nationally by CSIRO Science Education and Outreach (CEdO).

This in turn will enable the Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA) and CEdO to better meet the needs of Australia’s science teachers. 

SERG Advisory Panel structure

The term for an advisory panel consultant is one year with a possibility of an extension.

The panel of 10 consultants will be made up of:

educators representing schools that focus on underrepresented groups in STEM including female identifying students, First Nations students, regional and remote locations, lower opportunity areas (ICSEA<1000).

educators, including but not limited to First Nations education workers, classroom teachers, STEM specialist teachers, guidance counsellors and those in school leadership positions

educators representing schools from different states and territories 

educators representing schools from different jurisdictions (e.g. state, private, independent) 

educators representing schools with year levels from K to 12

At a minimum, we are aiming to have four regional teachers, at least one remote or very remote, one from each of WA, NT, SA and Tasmania, at least one Aboriginal Education worker, primary and secondary representation, and a range of genders.

All panel consultants will:

• review and provide feedback on CEdO’s plans, programs and resources designed for an educator or student audience based on state, local and regional needs
• provide insights, guidance and make recommendations to support the development of new plans, programs and resources in line with classroom needs, state or jurisdictional requirements and emerging trends/directions in education
• meet four times per year for one hour, with the option for out-of-session meetings if required.

Responsibilities of SERG Advisory Panel consultants

• Supply ASTA with their ABN or complete a hobby declaration form prior to the first meeting.
• Declare any conflict of interest that is actual, potential or perceived.
• Sign a code of conduct form provided by ASTA.
• Attend the four meetings and read all provided documents before each meeting.
• Notify the ASTA Program Manager asta@asta.edu.au at least 24 hours before a meeting if you are unable to attend.
• Provide an invoice to ASTA Accounts accounts@asta.edu.au within one month of each meeting for a one-hour meeting and two hours of preparation/actioning time.

Expectations of SERG Advisory Panel consultants

• to be provided with complete, accurate and meaningful information in a timely manner 
• to be given reasonable time to make key decisions  
• to complete and return feedback or guidance within agreed timelines
• to be alerted to potential risks and issues that could impact on the group
• open and honest discussions, without resort to any misleading assertions  ongoing ‘health checks’ to verify the overall status and ‘health’ of the team.

Meeting details

• All meetings will be chaired by a CEdO staff member. 
• A minimum of 50 % of SERG consultants in attendance will be required for a quorum.
• Meeting agendas and minutes will be provided one week prior to the meeting.
• Meetings will be held online for one hour.
• An invite with a meeting link will be emailed to a participant for all four meetings once they have been accepted onto the panel.
• If subgroup meetings are required, they will be arranged at a time convenient to subgroup members.

Remuneration

Sitting fees for participation on the SERG Advisory Panel are in accordance with the daily fees based on the rates stated in the Remuneration Tribunal July 2024.

$278.40 per person per meeting (2 hours of preparation/actioning and one hour for meeting).

Note: consultants may need to include GST when invoicing ASTA.

Term

This Terms of Reference is effective from January 2025 until December 2026.