Working groups
Practitioner-led groups doing practical work
VESPIIA convenes structured working groups to address specific sector issues, develop recommendations and strengthen professional collaboration. Each group operates under a Terms of Reference and reports into the Institute's governance framework.
Structure
How working groups operate
Groups are practitioner-led, focused on practical outcomes and open to participants across Australia.
Defined scope
Each group operates under a clear Terms of Reference outlining purpose, membership and reporting arrangements.
National participation
Groups are open to participants across Australia and operate virtually unless otherwise specified.
Practical outcomes
Working groups aim to produce tangible outputs — briefings, recommendations, papers or collaborative initiatives.
Governance accountability
All groups report into the VESPIIA governance framework and operate in alignment with our Code of Professional Conduct.
Active groups
Current working groups
Participation is by expression of interest. Use the EOI button on the relevant card, or get in touch directly.
Active
Cadre of Padres & Madres
A national forum for chaplains and spiritual care practitioners working across defence, emergency services and related sectors — strengthening collaboration, shared learning and the role of spiritual care in service contexts.
Chair: Eva Galfi, Director
Active
Waypoint
Focused on archiving and commemoration for the veteran and service community. Waypoint addresses the preservation of records at risk — branch records, war diaries, unit histories — and the succession challenges facing ageing commemorative-service organisers.
Chair: Hannah Laws, Director
In development
Policy Working Group
The Policy Working Group supports VESPIIA's advocacy function — monitoring policy developments, contributing to submissions and consultations, and producing The Frontline Brief. Open to members across veterans, emergency services, police and corrections.
Chair: TBC
In development
Academic Working Group
A working group to connect researchers, academics and research-informed practitioners across the sector — supporting evidence translation, peer connection and sector-facing research outputs. Launching in 2026.
Chair: Dane Williams, Director
Want to propose or lead a working group?
If you've identified a sector issue that would benefit from a structured working group, get in touch with a short outline of the proposed scope and purpose.
Get involved with VESPIIA
Working groups are one way to contribute. Explore membership or get in touch directly.