Association Governance Masterclass

Hosted by ADS Group Ltd at their London offices, Association Governance Masterclass is a special opportunity for in-depth training on association governance matters. It will involve presentations with ample opportunity for open discussion.

Questions to be considered include:

1.  Are your Articles of Association outdated?

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

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

4.  Have you trained your Board on their responsibilities?

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

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

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

8.  What does best practice research in governance tell us?

9.  Where do members fit into association governance?

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 35 years and presented to associations in 13 nations.

ADS Group Ltd is the UK trade association advancing leadership in aerospace, defence, security and space, to enable prosperity and clean, secure growth for our nation. ADS operates five offices to deliver tailored regional support that secures the UK advantage and provides the maximum number of opportunities for members to engage.

PROGRAM

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 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 Trustees

·  Key documents - especially 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 AN ASSOCIATION COMPANY SECRETARY

Although it is not mandatory, associations and charities are recommended to appoint (and not elect) a company secretary. The company secretary should ensure compliance and advise the Board and CEO on good governance This session will address:

·  The role of Company Secretary

·  Who should be Company 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 – join this session to learn how to achieve a merger:

·  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