http://www.effectivegovernance.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.effectivegovernance.nz en-us Thu, 14 May 2026 19:00:37 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.effectivegovernance.nz/blog/post/157286/boost-trust-and-success-master-board-ethics-for-not-for-profits/ Board ethics are crucial as they build trust, ensure responsible stewardship of resources, and maintain regulatory compliance.For individuals who are entering or contemplating a role on the board of a not-for-profit/for-purpose organisation, it’s imperative to understand the critical nature of board ethics. In governance, ethics form the foundation to the very fabric of effective and responsible leadership. Board ethics can be succinctly described as the principles and standards that guide the... Tue, 02 Dec 2025 14:17:13 +1300 http://www.effectivegovernance.nz/blog/#post157286 http://www.effectivegovernance.nz/blog/post/128147/developing-a-conflict-of-interest-policy/ The Incorporated Societies Act 2022, requires all clubs/societies to have a conflict of interest policy. There is however no need to wait until the constitution has been re-registration. Starting now is a great idea - it’s a quick win - one aspect of the requirements out of the way. Besides, it makes good business sense as it’s basically risk management in action.Here is a generic “three pager” entitled “Conflict of Interest policy”complete with an explanatory text, a draft policy an... Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.effectivegovernance.nz/blog/#post128147 http://www.effectivegovernance.nz/blog/post/143715/getting-to-know-the-difference-between-not-for-profit-operations-and-governance/ “Directors are there to govern.The CEO is there to manage.”The article expands upon the above quote from my not-for-profit governance book. It can be tempting for boards to meddle in operational matters especially if people have previously worked in the organisation, or if the is a new to being a CEO, running the business as in operations. On the other hand, there is always the possibility of board capture by the CEO.... Thu, 03 Apr 2025 11:07:25 +1300 http://www.effectivegovernance.nz/blog/#post143715 http://www.effectivegovernance.nz/blog/post/142034/why-a-governance-book-should-be-your-new-ceos-first-read/ Let's start off with a hypothetical story. Imagine a new CEO walking into their first board meeting and gets completely blindsided. They're a whiz with the organisation's day-to-day operations. When the board started throwing around terms like "fiduciary duties" and "strategic oversight" though, let's just say their eyes glazed over faster than a doughnut at a bake sale.Don't let that be you.Grasping the nuances of good governance can make all the difference for a new CEO. And a good old governa... Wed, 19 Feb 2025 10:49:33 +1300 http://www.effectivegovernance.nz/blog/#post142034 http://www.effectivegovernance.nz/blog/post/103758/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 helping 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.... Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.effectivegovernance.nz/blog/#post103758 http://www.effectivegovernance.nz/blog/post/134321/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 ... Wed, 04 Sep 2024 11:20:23 +1200 http://www.effectivegovernance.nz/blog/#post134321 http://www.effectivegovernance.nz/blog/post/133760/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 ... Mon, 19 Aug 2024 14:00:59 +1200 http://www.effectivegovernance.nz/blog/#post133760 http://www.effectivegovernance.nz/blog/post/111551/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... Tue, 30 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.effectivegovernance.nz/blog/#post111551 http://www.effectivegovernance.nz/blog/post/106622/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.... Mon, 29 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.effectivegovernance.nz/blog/#post106622 http://www.effectivegovernance.nz/blog/post/128494/a-peak-behind-the-scenes-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.”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.Title of the talk is: A Peak Behind the Scenes. A copy of the slides and associated notes are available here to... Fri, 17 May 2024 11:20:35 +1200 http://www.effectivegovernance.nz/blog/#post128494