POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title:
Grand Inspector of Workings
Reports To:
Grand Master
Location:
45 Moubray Street, Melbourne
Incumbent:
To be advised
Date Appointed:
To be advised
Position Purpose
The Grand Inspector of Workings is responsible to the Grand Master for the management of the
ritual and ceremonial aspects of Freemasonry in Victoria.
The positon acts as a guide and counsellor to the Grand Master on all matters concerning the
development and review of Masonic ritual and ceremonial, as well as compliance with it by
members and warranted Lodges.
The Grand Inspector of Workings will principally be responsible for ensuring compliance with the
approved book of Degree Ritual and the Book of Lodge Workings.
He will also ensure the maintenance of ritual and ceremonial standards through appropriate systems
of review, reporting and education.
In conjunction with the Grand Director of Ceremonies, this position a lso is responsible for the review
and maintenance of Grand Lodge ritual, including that which relates to Lodge and Grand Lodge
installations as well as Grand Lodge Consecrations, Dedications, Warrant Returns and other ritual
requirements as from time to time specified by the Grand Master.
The role is critical in encouraging and maintaining a collaborative and positive climate with all
members and Lodges in helping to create an environment, which encourages a focus on ceremonial
excellence.
In all matters, the incumbent is expected to conduct himself in keeping with the values of
Freemasonry, at the heart of which is the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity,
respect, care and compassion.
Position in Context
Freemasonry is a fraternal organisation with around 9,500 members in Victoria and in excess of 6
million worldwide. It offers men of all ages and backgrounds opportunities for self development,
mutual support, education and community service. Members affiliate with an individual Lodge,
which plans and manages its own programmes of work, within established State wide constitutional
guidelines. Freemasonry Victoria provides each of these 260 individual Lodges strategic direction
and member support, acting as the coordinating centre for Freemasonry in Victoria, similar to other
jurisdictions within and beyond Australia.
Freemasons Victoria is governed by an honorary board (Board of General Purposes). A number of
board committees have been established to augment the work and member service of Freemasons
Victoria, one of which is the portfolio of Masonic Knowledge, within which the Grand Inspector of
Workings will collaboratively work with other members in the delivery of member education and
service. The Grand Inspector of Workings will be assisted by a committee of suitably qualified
members as well as designated members within District Panels.
Reporting directly to the Grand Master this position, which is a senior Grand Lodge office, also has
close liaison with the Chairmen of the Masonic Knowledge portfolio, other Senior Grand Officers and
District Coordinators, in the delivery of the key responsibilities of his office.
Authority and Autonomy to Act
This role has delegated authority to commit the organisation financially within established policy,
budget guidelines and designated limits.
It may recommend changes in policy and procedure to the Grand Master, but cannot approve any
expenditures or operations which are outside established policies, procedures, budget or controls.
Key Responsibilities:
 In conjunction with the Grand Master, ens ure compl i a nce wi th the es ta bl i s hed ri tua l a nd
ceremonial of Freemasons Victoria, a s handed down from time to time. Ensure the maintenance
of all processes of reporting, investigation a nd discipline to achieve this objective;
 Provide counsel to the Grand Master, his Boards and committees, as required, on matters of Masonic
ritual and ceremonial protocol, procedure and policy;
 Assist in the constant review of Masonic ritual and ceremonial practices, consistent with the ancient
landmarks and established customs of Freemasonry as well as its laws, rules and regulations;
 Work collaboratively with the Masonic Knowledge portfolio in the delivery of member education and
advice, specifically as it relates to ritual and ceremonial;
 Ensure that our ritual and ceremonial practices pose no health and safety risks to our members;
 Ensure that the high standard of our ritual and ceremonial is maintained and inspire all Lodges and
 members to perform it with precision and meaning, so as to effectively impart its true message to all
members, both new and existing;
 Manage and monitor performance against the annual financial budget for the position’s area of
responsibility;
 Ensure that a high level of administration and customer service to members, internal staff and
external parties is maintained;
 Participate on such committees and work groups as from time to time directed; and
 Undertake such projects as from time to time are directed by the Grand Ma ster.
Internal and External Relationships
Grand Master
This role provides counsel and advice on a range of ritual and ceremonial matters to the Grand
Master. Contact is on an “as needs” basis, likely to be weekly.
Chairman – Masonic Knowledge Portfolio
This role, while it reports directly to the Grand Master, works collaboratively with the Masonic
Knowledge Portfolio in the delivery of member education services and technical advice. Therefore,
interaction with the Chairman of the Masonic Knowledge Portfolio is essential on a regular basis, at
least monthly.
Senior Grand Officers and their Committees
This role regularly communicates with relevant committees on ritual and ceremonial matters as they
may affect them. It responds to and resolves queries/concerns as necessary and produces such
reports and explanations as are required from time to time. Contact will be on an as needs basis.
Ritual and Ceremonial Committee Members and District Coordinator Panels
The Grand Inspector of Workings will discharge the responsibilities of his position with the assistance
of a committee of suitably qualified members and the assistance of members of District Panels.
Contact with these groups will be on at least a weekly basis.
Members and their Networks
This role maintains regular contact with member groups and District Coordinators, to ensure that
relevant and effective communication lines remain open & active and that their ritual and
ceremonial needs are being met.
Key Selection Criteria
Ideally the incumbent will have:
 An extensive understanding of Masonic systems, processes and culture;
 Considerable Craft Lodge and Grand Lodge ceremonial experience;
 A detailed understanding of the BGP’s mission, strategic plan and the priorities it has set to
ensure the perpetuity of Freemasonry in Victoria;
 He will thoroughly understand all aspects of the ritual and ceremonial practiced by warranted
Lodges in Victoria and a good working knowledge of the ritual and ceremonial of the Grand
Lodge;
 Extensive operational experience in the delivery of services and technical advice within the not
for profit or membership services sector;
 Highly developed written and verbal communication skills with both internal and external
stakeholders at all levels within the organisation;
 Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines; and
 Exceptional customer service focus, with an eye for detail;
Experience in dealing with other Masonic jurisdictions, both within Australia and overseas, though
not essential, would be a distinct advantage.
Personal Values
All positions of responsibility within Freemasons Victoria ought to display personal qualities
consistent with the organisation’s mission and values as well as the fundamental tenets of
Freemasonry, which involve mutual support, respect and service to the community. There are also
further personal qualities that are expected, which include:
Accountability
By taking personal responsibility for using resources efficiently, achieving measurable results, and
being accountable to supporters, partners and, most of all, our members.
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Is happy to take responsibility where the necessary skills exist or can be developed.
Is able to learn from mistakes and successes.
Actively seeks out development opportunities.
Is able to seek out assistance/resources where required.
Is able to set own goals and objectives.
Supports others in accepting responsibility.
Ambition
By demanding of ourselves and our colleagues, setting high goals and being committed to improving
the quality of everything we do for our members.
 Makes things happen.
 Doesn’t wait for others to open doors & provide all opportunities.
Collaboration
By exhibiting respect for each other and thriving on our diversity.
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Can quickly find common ground and solve problems for the good of all.
Can solve problems with peers with a minimum of disruption.
Is seen as a team player and is cooperative.
Easily gains trust and support of peers.
Encourages collaboration.
Can be candid with peers.
Creativity
By being open to new ideas, embracing change and taking disciplined risks to develop sustainable
solutions for our members.
 Comes up with a range of new & unique ideas.
 Easily makes connections amongst previously unrelated concepts.
 Tends to be seen as original and value-added within brainstorming settings.
Integrity
By aspiring to live the highest standards of personal honesty and behaviour; never compromising our
reputation and always acting in the best interests of our members.
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Is widely trusted.
Is seen as a direct, truthful individual.
Can present the accurate truth in an appropriate and helpful manner.
Maintains confidentiality, confidences & discretion.
 Doesn’t misrepresent himself for personal gain.