Association Governance Masterclass

Association Governance Masterclass is a special opportunity for in-depth training on association governance matters. It will involve presentations with many opportunities for open discussion and questions.

Questions to be considered include:

1.     Are your Articles of Association outdated?

2.     Does your association have a Council and Board with unclear responsibilities?

3.     Is your Board of Trustees too big or too small?

4.     Have you trained your Board on their responsibilities?

5.     What does research in association governance tell us?

6.     How do you remove an underperforming Director or CEO?

7.     Where do members fit into association governance?

8.     How to keep an association Board out of daily operations?

9.     What’s the difference between a Board meeting and an AGM?

10.  Where do I start with governance modernisation?

Governology is a governance advisory firm dedicated to assisting associations and charities. We advise boards and senior management on governance, structures, constitutions, mergers and other practical matters unique to associations and charities. The workshop will be facilitated by John Peacock AM, Director, Governology. John has worked for or advised associations for 36 years and presented to associations in 14 nations.

8.30am | Registration commences

9.00am | Session 1: PRINCIPLES OF ASSOCIATION GOVERNANCE

As associations are membership bodies, understanding the governance relationships between members, the Board of Directors / Trustees and management is vital. This session will cover:

• The importance of being incorporated under appropriate legislation

• Why the structure and scope of an association matters

• Responsibilities and authority of the Board of Directors

• Key documents and the role of the Articles of Association

• Best practice Board meetings and processes

10.30am | Morning Tea

11.00am | Session 2: PRACTICAL AND MODERN ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

The Articles of Association is the governing document of an association. These fundamental rules can only be changed by special resolution of the members (75% majority of votes cast being in favour). .This session will cover:

• Understand the governance relationship between members and the Board

• Understand why purpose, membership and Board clauses are crucial

• Know what not to include – and who controls subsidiary documents

• Consider why consultation, consultation and consultation lead to changes

• See examples of crazy constitutions and ridiculous rules.

12.30pm | Lunch

1.30pm | Session 3: BEING “GOVERNANCE” SECRETARY OF AN ASSOCIATION

Although it is not mandatory, associations and charities are recommended to appoint (and not elect) a Secretary. The Secretary is “Chief Governance Officer” who ensures compliance and advises the Board and CEO. This session will address:

• The role of the Secretary

• Who should be Secretary?

• Statutory compliance

• General Meetings & Board meetings

• Maintaining registers, policies & administration

• Advise & training

3.00pm | Afternoon Tea

3.30pm | Session 4: PLANNING, MERGERS AND SUMMARY

Associations must have a clear and simple Strategic Plan to be used by the Board, CEO, staff and committees, and communicated to members. A major action in a Strategic Plan may be to advance a merger. This session will address:

• Why associations must plan

• Tips for achieving useable and practical strategic plans

• When to merge and when to avoid merging

• The science and emotion involved in a successful merger

• Recap of Masterclass and next steps.

4.30pm | Close of Masterclass