Governance best practice
There is a wealth of great information out there and we understand that sometimes it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. To help we have some suggestions on some tools that we think will be the most useful for community groups in our area. The Community Governance Aotearoa website is an excellent starting point. They offer some great resources and tools to help guide you, along with self-assessment tools that your board can use to ensure you're on the right track. View the Board Evaluation here.
They also have an excellent board pack specifically for board members of grassroots community groups with templates and help sheets that you can access. It covers topics including creating an agenda, managing financials, taking minutes, strategy tips, and crafting a governance CV. View the Community Governance Aotearoa board pack here.
We also recommend that you check out The Good Governance Code. It outlines six key principles that outline what good governance looks like for community organisations in Aotearoa and suggestions on how to put these principles into practice. View The Good Governance Code here.
Socialink also has an informative governance overview that covers the main aspects of governing an organisation including the roles and responsibilities of board members, risk management, strategic planning, board culture and structure and more. You can check it out here
How to find volunteers to sit on your board
There are plenty of places to recruit passionate board members including tapping into your network, social media shout outs and using local organisations such as Volunteer South to help you find the perfect match.
Appoint Better Boards is also a great resource for advertising board positions and finding board members or if you are looking for your next board role. You can view their website here.
Exult pulled together some top tips for getting the right people on your board that you can view here.
Increasing youth and diversity representation on your board
Increasing youth and diversity on your board can help bring new perspectives and ensure that your organisation reflects the community it serves. Institute of Directors have created some steps to help you support and encourage diversity around your board and within your organisation that you can check out here. Diversity Works NZ also has a range of resources including an Aotearoa Inclusivity Matrix, policy and strategy templates and diversity sessions webinars, view here.
Chairing a board
Chairing a board can be a really rewarding experience but it does come with a lot of responsibility. National Action Plan for Community Governance has created a series of 4 short videos to help you step up and ace the Chair role. The content for these videos was created with the input of more than 30 experienced board chairs, based on their experiences about what they wished they knew when they got their first chair role. They are online training sessions, designed for people who are new or aspiring to the role of Chair.
Sport NZ also have a great publication about the role of the Chair that you can view here.
Succession Planning
Being able to fill key roles effectively and grow and foster talent on your board is really important to help you plan for the future and ensure the sustainability of your organisation.
Learn more about succession planning
Running Meetings
Running a successful non-profit board meeting involves planning, effective facilitation, and clear communication to ensure the meeting is productive and achieves its objectives. We've created a step-by-step guide to running an efficient non-profit board meeting below:
huddl - running a successful meeting
The Institute of Directions have some free downloadable board meeting resources such as an annual plan template, boards papers template, minutes and agenda template and a conflict of interest register that you can access via their website - iod - board meeting resources
Community Net Aotearoa have created a helpful introduction to meetings resources that includes checklists that you can access below:
Community net - meetings introductions
How to run an AGM
Running an Annual General Meeting (AGM) involves several important steps to ensure compliance with legal requirements and smooth proceedings. Community Governance Aotearoa, have created an AGM agenda template specifically for not-for-profits who want more structure in their Annual General Meeting.
View AGM template
Parry Field Lawyers have a guide on chairing an AGM that you can view here.
Where else to get information?
There is lots of advice, training, support and resources available on governance and related matters. Some key organisations providing information and support are listed in alphabetical order:
Board Pro
Website: www.boardpro.com/resource-centre
Provides tools and templates for governance, focusing on board management for non-profits.
Charities Services (Department of Internal Affairs)
Website: charities.govt.nz
Provides guidance and resources for charity registration, compliance, and governance.
Chartered Governance Institute New Zealand (CGINZ)
Website: governancenz.org
A professional body for governance professionals, offering resources, certifications, and training.
Community Governance Aotearoa
Website: communitygovernance.org.nz
A hub for governance-related resources, events, and support for New Zealand's community organizations.
CommunityNet Aotearoa
Website: community.net.nz
A platform providing resources for non-profit and community organisations, including governance tools.
Community Tool Box
Website: communitytoolkit.org.nz
A resource site offering toolkits and training for community-based organisations, with a focus on governance.
Incorporated Societies (Companies Office)
Website: societies.govt.nz
Provides resources and information about the registration and management of incorporated societies.
Institute of Directors (IoD)
Website: iod.org.nz/nfp#
Offers resources and training for directors, including a focus on governance in non-profits.
LEAD Centre for Not-for-Profit Governance and Leadership
Website: lead.org.nz
Offers leadership and governance support for not-for-profit organisations, including training and resources.
New Zealand School Board Association
Website: resourcecentre.org.nz
Supports school boards with resources and guidance on effective governance.
Not-for-Profit Resource
Website: not-for-profit.org.nz
An independent resource hub with tools and advice for New Zealand's non-profit sector.
SociaLink
Website: socialink.org.nz
A community support network offering governance resources for non-profits.
Sport New Zealand
Website: https://sportnz.org.nz/sector-guidance/governance/
Provides governance advice specifically for the sports sector.
Te Puni Kokiri
Website: tpk.govt.nz
Government department that provides guidance and support for Māori organisations, including governance-related matters.
