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Revitalise Your Board for Peak Performance!

"Board refresh" might sound like corporate jargon, but it’s a game-changer in the not-for-profit world. This process involves bringing in new people to the board of directors—not just to fill empty chairs, but to bring fresh energy and new ways of thinking to the table.You might think this is just for the old-timers, the seasoned board members who've been around forever. But that's not true at all. Newcomers, or even folks who are just thinking about joining a board, have a really important ...

Unlock Strategic Success: Essential Questions Every Board Member Must Ask

Part of the board members' responsibilities is developing and overseeing the execution of the organisation’s strategy. The board of directors are more than just a rubber stamp for the CEO and can add tremendous value to the organisation's overall strategic success. However, to be effective in this role, board members need to ask the correct questions when it comes to strategy.The exact questions that the board will ask depend on the organisation's strategic goals, industry and size. The right ...

Board Ethics: Why integrity is essential for board members

Far too frequently you read or hear about the loss of trust between board/committee members. One episode to catch my eye, relates to the Wellington City Council. The Post headline says it all: “Five city councillors investigated over meeting leak”.Board ethicsIn my book Getting to grips with not-for-profit governance, I write about ethical behaviour being a critical component of being a board director. As I note in the book "...if you lose the trust of members, you are toast!"Here’s my tak...

The Relationship Between the CEO and the Board

The connection between CEOs and boards is critical for any organisation's prosperity. When it comes to not-for-profit establishments, including charities and incorporated societies, their bond takes on an exclusive character of its own. This is because these organisations prioritise providing social or community services over making surpluses (profits) - a priority that adds intricacy to their governance needs....

A Peak behind the scenes presentation

Having purchased a few copies of the book Getting to grips with not-for-profit governance, Wellington City Libraries invited me to give a book presentation.“Local author Pierre Woolridge shares his knowledge of governance in the not-for-profit sector.Of interest to those who may be school trustees, on the committee of a sports or recreational club, or an office holder in a charity.”Title of the talk is: A Peak Behind the Scenes. A copy of the slides and associated notes are available here to...

Developing a Conflict of Interest policy - re-registering as an Incorporated Society

The Incorporated Societies Act 2022, requires all organisations to have a conflict of interest policy. I’m a committee member on a couple of motorbike clubs updating their constitution with a view to re-registering. We are trialing a Conflict of interest policy and its associated register. It’s a quick win, in that this can be done now, before the revamped constitution is put to members for approval. Besides, it makes good business sense as it’s basically risk management in action.Here is ...

Keeping members in the loop – re-registering as an Incorporated Society

One of the first things to do when a committee/board begins considering re-registering under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022, is to inform members of what up. After all, it the members not the committee who decides on the club’s or societies future.Here is a  generic “one pager” entitled “Our Legal Structure and Its Future” that can be adapted to inform members of possible changes to the organisation. It looks at the advantages or otherwise, of re-registering. Please adapt it ...

Committees & Boards: Why the Most Obvious Questions Don't Get Asked

Ever been on a committee or board and worried what people might think if you asked a question or two? You are not alone. Indeed, this is very common especially for newbies attending at their first few meetings.As a new board member, you may well end up wondering why some of the most obvious questions don't get asked during board meetings. After all, these are the people who are responsible for overseeing the organization's finances, operations, and strategic direction. Shouldn't they be asking a...

Why Leadership at the Board Level in the Not-for-Profit Sector is Essential

Leadership is a critical component of any organisation, but it is especially important in the not-for-profit sector (NFP) with its numbers of volunteers. As a board member, you are responsible for help to set the direction of the organisation and ensuring that it is fulfilling its mission. This requires strong leadership skills, including the ability to inspire and motivate others, make tough decisions, and communicate effectively....