All The Tools You Need To Be A Successful Not-for-Profit Board Member.
Not-for-Profit Governance
This section of the site will focus directly on the needs of Not-for-Profit new, aspiring, and experienced board members. We'll provide the necessary detail that board members need to ensure their organisation meets its obligations, you can add value to the business or charity, and that you are protected from the risks of any organisational failures, frauds, or reputational damage.
The New Director Training Program has been specifically designed and written to deliver the fundamentals of good governance to professional board director and to the countless people responsible for overseeing small to medium not-for-profit charitable organisations. It is this second group that undertake there roles and responsibilities with good intentions, however they are exposed to significant risks if they or their organisation are not suitably prepared.
It is very important for people on boards and committees to know what they are going, what is required of them, their members, and their legal responsibilities when handling money and assets on behalf of an organisation or group. I have seen a lot of charities and organisations place themselves under pressure for the lack of knowing what is required by them - taking on roles that they are not prepared for, and having leaderships that become misguided. The quickest and easiest way to overcome these risks is to gain the knowledge and understanding of what's required. Oh! I didn't know! is no longer an excuse for failure - I know because I was once in that situation.
What you need to know.
1. The core fundamentals of governance - the roles and responsibilities of the officer bearers, particularly the chair, secretary, and treasurer. Also that of each board or committee member - and the actions needed if they fail to meet their obligations. You need to know the governance processes & systems, those 'things' that ensure your organisation meets its external commitments and obligations to stakeholders, members, and governments. And then looking to your performance - what are you missing, what's not happening, and why?
2. Who is on your board or committee? Do they have the skills you need, how were they appointed and for how long? What other skills do we need and how do we get them? Not everyone is suitable for every board - do people have the right intentions and understand the purpose and role of the organisation?
3. Knowing how the board should operate - understanding what the fundamental of being a board member, know what issue to focus on, and what to look for to ensure my personal assets are protect, my family and reputation are safe.
4. Bringing it all together. Learning how to balance long term outcomes with the process of short term results. What should I focus on? Applying the principles of good governance to underpin your role on the board and that everyone is focused to achieve the outcomes the board requires.
What is a Not-for-Profit?
The Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) states, that generally, a not-for-profit is an organisation that does not operate for the profit, personal gain or other benefit of particular people (for example, its members, the people who run it or their friends or relatives). The definition of not-for-profit applies both while the organisation is operating and if it closes down.
Learn more
What could possibly go wrong?
Let's start with these? Economic RIsk, Compliance, Security & Fraud, Financial, Reputation, Operation, Competition, Government Policy shifts, Human Resources, Gossip, and Complaints. Good Governance training will help avoid and have you better prepared to deal with these and many more.
Not-for-Profit Feedback
Steven Ford - General Manager - Pioneer Valley Water.
"Turner Scott Consulting Pty Ltd offers governance training for CEOs, Directors and Executives to quickly understand the risks and responsibilities of being a Director, in a concise and easy-to-understand, self-paced program.
As a small non-profit co-operative, our Board is comprised of successful business people with hands-on knowledge and understanding of our core business, legal and or accounting credentials.
Chris Scott is an invaluable source of knowledge, processes and inspiration to successfully and professionally understand and appreciate the risks and responsibilities of being a Director.
Governance Training for New and Aspiring Directors is beneficial to experienced and new directors and I recommend Chris Scott to all CEOs and Boards as an invaluable and necessary part of your board orientation and refresher processes.
