Presentation (20 minutes) – maximum of TWO speakers per presentation TAFE Directors Australia Convention 2026

Best practice Organisational Design, building a stronger TAFE NSW to support students, communities, and Industry (132168)

Alexander Demetre 1 , Kylie Reay 2
  1. TAFE NSw, Director, Workforce Culture, Capability and Change, TAFE NSW
  2. TAFE NSW, Senior Manager Organisational Design

We propose a case study showcasing how TAFE NSW applied best-practice organisational design to implement a significant transformation to our operating model. This transformation impacted approximately 10,000 staff and aimed to streamline structures, clarify accountabilities, enable more agile, learner-focused delivery, and create a newfound focus and dedication on local communities.

Organisational design is one of the most sought-after capabilities with external consultants, this change was designed and managed in house with TAFE NSW’s own resources.  

The case study will explore how best practice organisational design and change management were integral in the overall success to shift to a new faculty based operating model while ensuring a significant number of staff were engaged and prepared for the change itself.

Staff were actively involved through co-design processes, ensuring role clarity and fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.

The proposal will also highlight how proactive communication and engagement helped mitigate change fatigue, retain critical talent, and embed a shared vision.

Drawing on sector benchmarks, internal consultation, and early implementation insights, the presentation will demonstrate the measurable cultural and operational benefits of the new faculty structure.