Governance

Governance is about the way an organisation is run and how decisions are made. It is about ensuring there is a group of people that work together on behalf of the organisation. They decide on the rules and structures the organisation operates by and the ways everyone involved in the organisation will be held accountable to those rules. Governance is also important in setting the culture of an organisation and the values and behaviours that are expected of anyone involved in the organisation.

Key issues for people involved in Governance include making sure the organisation’s practices are safe and comply with appropriate standards and laws and that the organisation’s resources are managed well and in the best interests of the organisation.

Common roles or terms relating to an organisation’s governance are: 

• Presidents, 
• Secretaries, 
• Treasurers, 
• Office Bearers, 
• Committee members or Board members, 
• Directors. 
• Trustees, 
• Councillors,
• Governors and, 
• Responsible Persons.

My Governance Journey

To support volunteers enjoy and succeed in a governance role, Volunteering Queensland has created My Governance Journey. Co-designed with the volunteer sector, My Governance Journey provides starting-level information for anyone taking on a governance role within not-for-profit organisations. It provides help and support regardless of your experience level – whether you’re still considering joining, are just getting started, if you’re experienced and are now stepping up to take on more leadership roles, or if you’re preparing to handover and invite new people to join your organisation’s governance.

Discover more at: Volunteering QLD Governance

eLearning

The Centre for Volunteering has developed this Governance eLearning to support and develop the skills and knowledge of the board members of Australian not-for-profit volunteer-involving organisation's boards and committees, their CEOs and the other senior staff who work alongside them. 

Governance for Boards and Committees eLearning

Further Reading

The following Knowledge Base article provide additional information in support of the eLearning modules:

Organisation and Management Structures

Developing Policies and Procedures

Insurance