Call for the Establishment of an Indigenous Engagement Working Group

As part of our new Strategic Plan: Towards 2030, the ARMS Board reaffirms its commitment to a key strategic priority, fostering and building a research management environment that embeds and respects the practices of First Nations and Indigenous peoples.

We are committed to the genuine inclusion of Indigenous voices, knowledge systems, and practices in the governance, support, and management of research across our profession. Our commitment also extends to supporting Indigenous and First Nations Research Management Professionals throughout their journey.

To guide this work, we are establishing a Working Group to help identify achievable, impactful outcomes aligned with this strategic priority.

Purpose of the Working Group

The Working Group will:

• Provide guidance and recommendations on how ARMS can embed Indigenous practices, perspectives and ways of being in research management. 
• Recommend practical, measurable outcomes that support this strategic priority. 
• Recommend actions, partnerships and resources to support implementation. 
• Ensure that Indigenous voices are central to the development of this work. 

 
Membership of the Working Group 

We are seeking expressions of interest from across the ARMS membership, including: 

• First Nations and Indigenous Research Management Professionals from across the geographical remit of ARMS. 
• Non-Indigenous Research Management Professionals with a demonstrated commitment to equity, and inclusive research management practices.
• Members from diverse institutional, geographic, and other professional backgrounds. 

We are aiming for a balanced group of approximately 8–10 members, with strong Indigenous representation and cross-regional participation.

Terms of Reference

Term: November 2025 to November 2026 
Meetings: 4–5 virtual meetings over the term, with additional consultation as needed
Deliverables: Recommended outcomes and actions to be presented to the ARMS Board by mid-2026
Support: Secretariat support will be provided by the ARMS Executive Office.
 
How to Apply
If you are interested in joining the Working Group, please submit a brief expression of interest using the template provided. 

EOI Template

Please email your EOI to ARMSCOO@researchmanagement.org.au by Friday the 7th of November 2025.