Clinical Governance Leadership in Aged Care
Overview
Effective clinical governance leadership is the cornerstone of delivering safe, high-quality care in aged care settings. In an increasingly complex regulatory environment— guided by the Aged Care Quality Standards —leaders must not only understand governance frameworks but also translate them into everyday practice. This course provides a deep dive into the principles, systems and behaviours that underpin robust clinical governance. Participants will explore how strong leadership drives a culture of safety, fosters consumer-centred care and promotes continuous improvement. Through case studies, interactive discussions and practical tools, attendees will learn to integrate risk management, performance monitoring and stakeholder engagement into their strategic planning. Emphasis is placed on data-driven decision-making, interdisciplinary collaboration and meaningful involvement of residents and their families. By the end of the program, leaders will be equipped to champion best practice, sustain evidence-based initiatives and ensure compliance with legislative and registration (accreditation) requirements.
Learning Objectives
- Define the principles and key elements of clinical governance in aged care.
- Articulate the roles and responsibilities of leaders in upholding governance frameworks.
- Apply risk management and incident analysis methodologies to reduce harm.
- Utilise quality improvement tools for measurable performance gains.
- Interpret clinical and operational data to inform strategic decision-making.
- Foster a culture of safety, transparency and open communication.
- Engage residents and families in governance processes.
- Ensure compliance with the Aged Care Quality Standards
Who should attend?
- Directors of Nursing
- Care Managers
- Quality and Safety Managers
- Allied Health Leads and Clinical Educators
- Members of Clinical Governance or Quality Committees
- Emerging Leaders in Aged Care Organisations
Topics Covered
- Foundations of Clinical Governance
- Leadership and Culture Development
- Risk, Incident & Performance Management
- Consumer Engagement & Person-Centred Care
- Regulatory Compliance & Continuous Improvement
- Governance Action Plan
Our Speakers
Diana Horvatovic is CEO of St Basil’s Aged Care NSW & ACT and one of Australia’s leading voices in aged care legislation, regulation, and compliance. St Basil’s provides residential, independent living, home care, and day centres for over a thousand Australian seniors. Diana is the organisation’s first female CEO.
Widely recognised for her governance and stakeholder expertise and empathic leadership, Diana transitioned from a successful career in finance to aged care, quickly ascending to leadership roles including as Director, Office of Aged Care Quality and Compliance.
She has a profound passion for enhancing the lives of the elderly, advocating for visibility and transparency in leadership and emphasising a back-to-basics approach to aged care, focusing on delivering quality care and fostering community connections.
Serving as a role model for her twin daughters and other young women, Diana’s philosophy is simple: “If you believe in yourself and are motivated, dedicated, and hardworking, you can achieve anything.”
She holds a Master of Science in Dementia Care and Management.
Alphine is a Registered Nurse with extensive experience in residential aged care, quality systems, and clinical governance. As Head of Residential Care at St Basil’s Homes, she works closely with care teams across multiple sites to support safe, person-centred care and continuous improvement.
Her previous roles include Group Manager Risk, Quality and Education and Compliance Assurance Manager, where she supported system-level improvements, accreditation readiness, and workforce capability. Alphine brings a practical, team-focused approach to leadership and a strong commitment to resident wellbeing.
