Expressions of interest are now open for Chair and Co-chair leadership positions of AELERT’s Communities of Practice

Are you ready to take the next step in your professional journey and help shape the future of environmental regulation and compliance? Expressions of interest are now open for members to join the leadership team across our various Communities of Practice (CoP) network groups in 2026 and beyond.

AELERT operates 17 individual CoPs arranged by function to reflect the business-as-usual activities undertaken by our member agencies. Currently there are over 1,600+ active members who have joined the CoPs and regularly meet and provide support to one another through collaboration, information sharing and solving shared challenges across jurisdictions.

This is a unique leadership opportunity to contribute your expertise, collaborate with peers across jurisdictions, and play a key role in guiding the strategic direction of AELERT’s CoPs. Whether your focus is on policy, operations, science, or innovation, your voice and experience can help drive meaningful conversations and outcomes within your area of practice.

Why get involved?

Serving as a Chair or Co-Chair offers a valuable platform to develop leadership, facilitation, governance and strategic thinking skills in addition to building your own professional development. These strategically significant roles also allow you and your agency to identify new approaches and opportunities in your everyday work and pose new ideas to be undertaken as part of AELERT’s annual work programs.

You will set the agenda, lead discussions, communicate with group members, and influence the growth and evolution of your Community of Practice, inspire innovation and foster a culture of continuous improvement between members across jurisdictions.

We are seeking members to join the Community of Practice leadership team to lead and/or support the Chairs of the following network groups:

Operations Cluster:	Biodiversity & Protected Areas Emergency Operations Local Government Waste Crime Wildlife Crime
Regulation & Engagement Cluster:	Better Regulation Compliance Auditing Energy and Mining Impact Assessment First Peoples Environmental Regulators Legal Practice and Policy Water Compliance
Capability Building Cluster:	Organisational Maturity Professional Development

Expectations of the Chair/Co-Chair

The Chair(s) and Co-Chair(s) play a key leadership role in guiding each Community of Practice, with the support of the AELERT Leadership Team. These roles are central to fostering collaboration, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring the Community of Practice delivers value to its members.

The Chair(s) and Co-Chairs(s) positions involve:

• Setting the agenda for meetings and ensuring alignment with the priorities and topics contained within the group’s Terms of Reference (ToR)
• Planning and coordinating meetings in collaboration with the AELERT team
• Identifying and inviting relevant speakers to contribute expertise and insights
• Influencing the growth and direction of the Community of Practice
• Sharing information and resources to strengthen knowledge exchange among members (where appropriate and approved by your organisation)
• Communicating with group members, stakeholders, and the broader AELERT network

Who should apply?

We welcome expressions of interest from individuals from AELERT member agencies at all levels who are:

• Passionate about their area of practice,
• Eager to actively contribute to the broader regulatory community,
• Looking to grow professionally and personally,
• Supported by their agency to take on a leadership role.

The CoP Chairs and Co-Chairs are asked to commit to a term of 12-months with an option to extend for a further 12-months. Each Community of Practice runs approximately six online group meetings per calendar year and engages through AELERT’s dedicated online platforms and via email.

Submit your expression of interest

We encourage you to discuss this opportunity with your manager or supervisor as part of your professional development planning if applicable and submit a brief expression of interest (no more than 200 words) outlining your background, area of expertise and relevant Community of Practice network group(s).

Please share this opportunity within your team or department or any relevant colleagues who may be interested in this valuable professional development opportunity.

Download a copy of the AELERT CoP Chair and Co-Chair Expression of Interest

Expressions of interest can be made by email to aelert@sa.gov.au for consideration.