Governance Resources

The unique nature of NFPs, such as associations, charities, institutes, clubs and societies, means they require robust governance systems. They often have a wide scope and it is important that the correct framework is implemented to suit each organisation. Issues such as forming an association, directors’ & officers’ responsibilities, effective boards, incorporation, and single entity/federation matters are all vital to running a not-for-profit organisation.

Resources in this section, written by experts in the field, will address many of these issues to assist you in running or setting up your organisation

Top Governance Resources

Latest Governance Resources

Register of Members

Article by Jonathan Casson, Partner, Holman Webb Lawyers. June 2017 Extract: Several recent events, including the current dispute at CPA Australia, have once again highlighted the importance of understanding members’ rights regarding access to the Register of Members (‘Register’). All companies, including those limited by guarantee, must maintain such a Register. Following an application, a company must…

10 steps for successful planning days

Strategic Planning

The reason associations must plan is clear: if an association doesn’t agree on what it wants to do, it will be harder to achieve desired outcomes. A documented annual plan needs to be initially developed at a face-to-face Planning Day, attended by the Board and CEO, and then actioned by the association management. 1. Commit to holding, and sell the concept of, an annual Planning Day Plans required the leaders of the association…

AGM Guide

Associations Forum’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) Guide has been written to assist the smooth and appropriate running of an association General Meeting. The AGM Guide is available free of charge to members of Associations Forum. Please contact Kathy Nguyen kathy@associations.net.au to request a copy. This edition of Associations Forum’s AGM Guide has been written for public companies limited by guarantee under the Commonwealth of Australia’s Corporations Act 2001.

Board Charter

A sample Board Charter for associations is available to members of Associations Forum. Please contact Kathy Nguyen kathy@associations.net.au to request a copy. The purpose of the Board Charter is to define the rights and responsibilities of the Directors of the association to assist them in fulfilling their duties and obligations. Table of contents 1 Overview 2 Role of the Board 3 Responsibilities 4 Board…

Board Evaluation Form

Board and Board Member Evaluation This document is to assist Board Members individually and as a group to share their experiences as members of the Board. Comments on how best to improve the performance of the Board are welcome. Each Board Member should answer from their own perspective. If there is insufficient space after a question for your comments do add on a separate page. To request a copy, please contact Kathy Nguyen kathy@associations.net.au

10 practical tips for not-for-profit boards

Board Structure and Management

Keith Roberts FCIS of NFP Analysts, shares 10 solutions to common governance problems he sees at associations and charities. 1 Critical importance of the objects 2 Be accountable to someone else 3 Lock in director turnover 4 Ensure staggered terms for directors 5 Get the board size right 6 Consider independent external directors 7 No nominations from the floor at the AGM

Incorporating an Australian association

Incorporating an Association

Associations in Australia have expressed interest in an opinion on the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating an association as either an: Incorporated association under State or Territory associations incorporation legislation; or as a Company limited by guarantee under the Commonwealth Corporations Act 2001. The ideas expressed in this article are not a definitive piece of advice however we trust that…

Ways of incorporation for Singaporean Associations