A fair, thorough CEO review process - without the stress.
We take care of the process so your Council/Board can focus on the conversation that matters.
Whether you're a local government or non-profit preparing for your annual CEO review, or a business looking for an independent hand in a senior performance process, getting it right matters. Not just for compliance, but for your CEO and your organisation.
At Incredible People, we have consultants who have supported boards, councils and organisations across Western Australia with CEO performance and remuneration reviews for over a decade.
We know the process, the legislation, the sensitivities, and what good looks like.
A CEO performance review is one of the most significant governance responsibilities a Council or Board takes on each year. When it's done well, it's constructive, fair, and sets a clear direction. When it's not, it can create tension, risk, and confusion.
An experienced, independent facilitator brings three things to the table:
Credibility. Everyone in the room knows the process is being managed fairly, without internal politics getting in the way.
Clarity. We help Councillors and participants understand what they're being asked to contribute, so the feedback you receive is meaningful.
Compliance. For local governments in WA, the process must meet the requirements of the Local Government Act 1995 (S5.38) and the Local Government (Administration) Regulations 1996. We know those requirements inside out.
Why bring in an independent consultant?
What we do
We've structured our services into two streams. You can use one, the other, or both together.
Stream 1: Facilitating the annual performance and remuneration review
This is the core review process - from planning and feedback collection through to the formal review meeting and final report to Council.
Depending on how much support your Council wants, you can choose:
A consultant-facilitated review, where we handle everything: agreeing on what's being measured, setting up and administering the feedback process, collating feedback, facilitating the formal review meeting, and preparing the Performance Review Report and summary report for the Council or Board. You focus on the conversation; we manage the rest.
The council-led review, consultant supported, where your Council or Board runs the process internally, and we give you the tools to do it well - the feedback mechanism, collated reports, a structured meeting checklist, and a Council report template. A good fit for well-functioning smaller organisations or those with strong governance confidence.
Stream 2: Developing the CEO's annual performance criteria
Strong performance criteria are the foundation of a useful review. This stream is available as a standalone service or alongside Stream 1.
You can choose from a light-touch sense-check of existing criteria, a template and guidance pack for Councillors to work through independently, or a fully facilitated workshop to build criteria from the ground up - particularly useful where priorities have shifted or expectations need to be reset.
Probation reviews
We also support probation reviews, which are a contractual requirement and are usually more streamlined - but no less important as an early opportunity to check in, make sure everyone is on the same page, and set clear expectations for the year ahead.
What to expect
Most processes take four to six weeks from start to finish, depending on stakeholder availability. We'll work with you to agree a timeline upfront.
We can deliver everything online or come to you - across all of Western Australia. And if your CEO is new or you're navigating something outside the usual review cycle, such as a probation review or a mid-year check-in, we can support that too.
Why work with us?
We've worked with local governments of every size, from small rural shires to major cities, and with a wide range of businesses and non-profit organisations. We understand the governance requirements, we know how to run a process that feels fair to everyone involved, and we bring calm and clarity to what can sometimes be a stressful time of year.
Our approach is practical, not academic. We'll tell you what you need to know and guide you through the process without drowning you in paperwork or jargon.
Natalie Lincolne has 10 year’s experience conducting CEO performance reviews and brings over 30 years' experience in HR, leadership development and performance across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.
Louise Chesby has 3 year’s experience with CEO performance reviews and brings more than 20 years' experience as a senior HR and organisational development leader, including a strong track record in local and state government.
Kristen Brown is newer to supporting local government CEO performance reviews however brings a rare mix of senior executive and local government management experience, as well as applied coaching psychology, to this work. Kristen is trained and supported by both Natalie and Louise.
Together, Natalie, Louise and Kristen have designed a contemporary process and supported CEO reviews at over 50 councils as well as for the Perth Markets Authority, Busselton Water, Telethon Kids Institute, and others.
Let’s talk
If your CEO review is coming up, or you'd like to understand your options, get in touch.
We're happy to have a no-pressure conversation about what your Council or organisation needs.
Ph: 1300 553 932 or send an enquiry here.