C&K People C&K recognises the importance of our workforce and is committed to attracting, developing, supporting and retaining passionate professionals who share our vision. Our team C&K's workforce of 2,300 highly-qualified employees, are dedicated to providing outstanding educational experiences for children and families every day. C&K's centre employees are supported by a central team of professionals across corporate services, operations, pedagogy, education and research, quality and regulations, human resources and talent acquisition. Our operational teams have people in each region throughout Queensland, providing on the ground guidance and support for our centres. We provide comprehensive professional learning programs designed to empower teachers and educators with the skills, knowledge and resources they need to support each child's unique journey. The wellbeing of our workforce is fundamental to achieving our vision, as it directly influences job satisfaction, productivity and service delivery. We have many roles, work practices and initiatives to support the wellbeing of our people in their professional and personal lives. These are aimed at creating a supportive and resilient environment where individuals feel valued and motivated to contribute their best. 2,300 Employees 79% Employee Retention 324 C&K Branch and Affiliated Centres C&K's Chief Executive Officer Dr Sandra Cheeseman Dr Cheeseman is a former early childhood teacher, academic and senior executive. Sandra was appointed to the role of CEO in 2021 following the retirement of Jane Bourne. Prior to this, Sandra held the position of Chief Operating Officer with C&K for 2 ½ years, bringing extensive experience in the early childhood sector across corporate governance, leadership, service delivery and research.Sandra has published in the areas of organisational leadership, early years curriculum and infant/toddler rights. She was a member of the core writing team who developed Australia's first Early Years Learning Framework and has worked on key government projects to translate policy to practice.Sandra has served on several governance boards, including as non-executive director for the Australian Children’s Educational and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). She is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Raising Children Network and the Expert Advisory Group for the development of a preschool outcomes measure.Sandra leads an Executive Management Group consisting of a Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief People Officer.QualificationsPhD, PG Cert, Research Methods, BEd, Early Childhood. C&K's Board C&K is committed to the highest standards of integrity and transparency in its decisions and business operations through its corporate governance approach. C&K's Board oversees the responsibility of delivering on C&K's Strategic Plan and ensuring the organisation's behaviour is consistent with its vision, purpose and values.The C&K Board has four committees to assist it in overseeing the work of C&K.Audit, Risk and Finance CommitteeEarly Years and Innovation CommitteeNominations CommitteePeople and Culture CommitteeEach committee is comprised of board members. The Early Years and Innovation Committee also includes up to two external early childhood education and care experts. Therese Mulherin Chair (Non-Executive) Board member since 30 May 2013Committee ResponsibilitiesAudit, Risk and Finance QualificationsBOccThy, GAICD Experience Therese has had an extensive career as a non-executive director, executive leader, and strategic advisor to executive teams and Boards. She has a clinical allied health background in Occupational Therapy and is experienced in the effective delivery of human services, including early childhood education and care, health and injury rehabilitation, aged care, disability, and employment services. Therese’s experience spans large national service organisations, outsourced government contracts, strategy development, stakeholder management and change management. Charles Strickland Director (Non-Executive) Board member since 21 June 2019Committee ResponsibilitiesAudit, Risk and Finance (Chair) QualificationsB. IntBus, B. Com, GAICD, FCA, CPA ExperienceCharles is a senior director at the Queensland Audit Office, where he has responsibility for audit methodology, audit and accounting advice, the quality assurance program, and data transformation projects. With broad experience across general government administration and, more recently, the health and local government sectors, he brings a commitment to improving the lives of Queenslanders through his financial and performance audit work. He has a strong background in audit, risk, and governance. Charles is a firm believer in quality education and giving young people every opportunity to succeed: in the past, serving on his local school P&C as treasurer, and coaching junior hockey teams. Scott Carpenter Director (Non-Executive) Board member since 26 June 2019Committee ResponsibilitiesNominations (Chair) QualificationsM.Business Process Management, Prince 2 Practitioner, GAICD, Cert. IV TAEExperienceScott works to bridge the gap between technology and business and improve organisational performance by aligning IT solutions to business needs. He applies appropriate best practice methodologies, frameworks and models coupled with technology solutions to achieve long term business objectives. Scott strongly believes in the ability of education to positively change someone’s life and to support young people to achieve. Megan Gibson Director (Non-Executive) Board member since 19 May 2016Committee ResponsibilitiesEarly Years and Innovation (Chair)NominationsQualificationsPhD, MEd, BEd (EC), DipT (EC) ExperienceDr Gibson is an Associate Professor in the School of Early Childhood at Queensland University of Technology, and is also a respected researcher in her field. Megan's background as an early childhood educator with experience in teaching and leadership positions culminated in her role as Director of an industry-leading childcare centre in Brisbane. Her award-winning doctoral research examined the professional identities of early childhood educators. This work, combined with her extensive professional experience, has laid the foundations for her ongoing interest in the early childhood workforce, leadership, professionalism and sustainability. In her current role at QUT, Megan is responsible for teacher education units on leadership, professionalism and health and wellbeing. Geoff Hirst Director (Non-Executive) Board member since 14 July 2020Committee ResponsibilitiesAudit, Risk and Finance QualificationsB. Com (Accounting), B. Bus (Economics), GAICD, CIA, CCSA, PMIIAExperienceGeoff is a Director of Aurecon, specialising in infrastructure, sustainable design, and ESG. An authentic executive leader with 25 years of professional finance, audit, and risk advisory experience. Geoff also has extensive global experience, particularly in the Education sector and professional services industry, with two Big-4 consulting firms, and more recently as the Managing Director and Market Leader for Protiviti. With expertise in business risk advisory, implementing complex governance programs and change, differentiated value, and business resilience, Geoff has provided assurance and risk advisory outcomes on a variety of risk-based transactions. He's also held executive leadership roles within industries including Queensland Health, major infrastructure development, and transport. Christina Turner Director (Non-Executive) Board member since 23 June 2021Committee ResponsibilitiesPeople and Culture (Chair) QualificationsPhD (HRM), MAppLaw, MBusCoach, GCMgt, GAICD, FGIA, FIML, FAHRI, FAIMExperienceDr Turner is a HRM and governance specialist. Her career has included heading up HR functions in national and multi-national, public and private sector organisations, including ABC Learning Centres, the University of the Sunshine Coast, and QSuper Ltd. A past president of the Australian Human Resources Institute, Christina has also held a number of non-executive director roles on public, private and not-for-profit boards, as well as government and Governor-in-Council appointments to panels, commissions of inquiry, and tribunals. Christina also holds governance roles with the Community Services Industry Alliance and the Presbyterian, Methodist Schools Association, and Duchesne College. Pauline Elliot Director (Non-Executive) Board member since 23 June 2021Committee ResponsibilitiesPeople and CultureNominationsQualificationsBA, MProfEc ExperiencePauline enjoyed a successful career in the Queensland public sector holding senior executive roles in Queensland Treasury, Department of Energy and Water Supply and Queensland Treasury Corporation. Pauline has extensive experience in financial and commercial matters, a deep understanding of government processes and public policy development, and has worked across multiple industry sectors, including energy, transport and telecommunications. Pauline is now a consultant providing services to organisations seeking support in business strategy, commercial transactions, and complex stakeholder engagement. C&K's PatronDr Jeannette Young C&K is honoured to have the Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM as our Patron, supporting C&K to continue achieving its vision where every child flourishes.Her Excellency strongly supports quality childcare as an enabler of equality in the workforce and supports C&K's advocacy for equal access to quality early childhood education and care as a strong foundation for a lifelong love of learning.We warmly acknowledge Her Excellency's own personal connection with C&K, having been both a parent and committee member at C&K Arnwood Place Childcare Centre where her daughter attended during her early years. Our kindergarten children at C&K Arnwood Place were excited to present their collaborative artwork to the Governor during her visit in 2022.
