Josh Pienaar

Higher Education and Business Consultant, Board Member & Mentor

BSc (CM), MBA, GCTAE, PhD, FAIB, FRSN, GAICD, PFHEA

Focussed. Experienced. Pragmatic.

I am a Higher Education and Business Consultant, Strategist, and Academic with extensive experience in corporate and academic governance, compliance reviews, and the operationalisation of strategic plans. My work focuses on supporting higher education institutions in meeting their regulatory obligations, enhancing governance effectiveness, and aligning with best practices in the sector.

Over the past two decades, I have held senior leadership roles in the higher education and business sectors, developing expertise in reviewing governance frameworks, leading institutional transformations, and ensuring alignment with the Higher Education Standards Framework (HESF) 2021.

My Philosophy
I am passionate about fostering sustainable governance practices and building robust systems that empower institutions to achieve excellence in education and research. My approach is pragmatic, evidence-based, and solutions-focused, ensuring that every engagement delivers actionable outcomes tailored to each client’s needs.

Areas of Expertise

  • Corporate and Academic Governance

  • Higher Education Standards Compliance (HESF / ESOS / CRICOS)

  • Strategic Planning and Implementation

  • Leadership and Change Management

  • Policy Development and Accreditation

  • Senior Staff Development and Mentorship

Experience and Achievements
Since 2022, I have completed 23 Corporate and Academic Governance Reviews for three Universities and several Institutes of Higher Education.

In addition to consultancy work, I have held key leadership positions, including Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching), Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students) and University Registrar, Deputy Dean, and Chair of Academic Boards and several Committees. My contributions to the sector include governance training, conference presentations, and policy development aimed at strengthening institutional quality and accountability.

Professional Recognition
I am proud to be a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (PFHEA), a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Building (FAIB), and the Royal Society of New South Wales (FRSN). As a member of the TEQSA Register of Experts and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), I bring substantial expertise to every project I undertake.

A Collaborative Approach
Collaboration and stakeholder engagement are central to my work. I believe that engaging with university leaders, academic staff, and students ensures a comprehensive understanding of institutional challenges and opportunities.

Whether working with a large university or a smaller higher education provider, I aim to deliver practical, high-impact recommendations that drive continuous improvement and strategic success.

Let’s Connect
Feel free to reach out via email at josua.pienaar@gmail.com for an initial discussion of your requirements.