Master the Art of the Boardroom

Hire, Review and Fire: The CEO Lifecycle

Better Boards hosted a webinar on the topic “Hire, Review & Fire: The CEO Lifecycle” in September 2023. I was lucky enough to facilitate a panel discussion with Craig Badings, Anthony Mutton, Tom Brett and Peter Crow, and gained so much from the session that I thought I’d share my reflections. Hire I’ve been lucky enough, as a member of a board to be involved in several CEO appointment processes. It always feels like spring when a decision is made – a sense of renewal and vibrancy, a sense of next adventures and new opportunities.

Privacy Protection Reform – Upcoming Changes and What You Need to Know!

“Protecting your organisation from cyber risk and implementing preventative measures to keep your organisation’s data safe, has never been more important for Australia’s not-for- profit sector.”1 As technology and the digital world continue to advance, so does the need for privacy protections. One in eight not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) have experienced a cyber security breach or incident, and the risk of being exposed to such will only continue to grow.2 Cyber security incidents are rising, and NFPs must arm themselves with the correct tools to remain protected.

It Takes Two To Tango

The role of an NFP director continues to become more complex in an increasingly challenging environment. Half of directors who responded to a recent survey1 stated they are spending more time on their director role compared to the previous year. One way to keep this in check is to focus on improving how information flows between your organisation and your board, and vice-versa. A fundamental mechanism for information flow is the reports presented to your board from the CEO and management.

Engaging Remote Teams: Key Skills for Leaders

The benefits and risks of teams working remotely Over the past few years, beliefs about how, where, and when work is performed have shifted, and employee expectations and needs have changed. Technology now often allows us the ability to get the same job done, no matter where we are. This means remote work options are not only viable, but sometimes preferred. As a result, many employees now conduct a lot of their work remotely (physically apart) and this has led to more work being conducted virtually (communicating, collaborating, and interacting in a virtual space).

How Do Australians View the Leadership and Governance of the Charity Sector

Charities are at the heart of social ecosystems and play a vital role in building and sustaining flourishing communities. Yet, charities face several interlocking challenges that have only become more complex in a post-pandemic environment. In this context, charities are grappling with increased demand for services, financial sustainability, increasing job complexity, a declining volunteer workforce and the need to re-establish relationships with donors, all in the context of sustained impacts on the mental health, well-being and resilience of charity employees and leaders.

School Governance 101

Schools face a number of challenges — and so do the boards that govern them. While concern about some of these challenges has fluctuated since 2014, high salary costs and school fees as well as compliance issues have remained top priorities for governors for almost a decade. Twelve key characteristics of effective school boards define healthy school governance and present opportunities to improve at every turn. By adopting most or all of these characteristics, schools can mitigate many of the issues they face today.

What is a Limited Liability Company in New Zealand?

A limited liability company (LLC) is the most often used legal structure for companies in Aotearoa New Zealand. Less common forms are unlimited and co-operative companies. It has the advantage of limiting the liability of shareholders, with the exception of any money they owe on their shares or they personal guarantees they have made to lenders or creditors through the activities of the company. LLCs are incorporated entities and are therefore regulated by the NZ Companies Office under the Companies Act 1993.

What is Strategic Planning?

Strategic planning is a critical process that helps organisations chart their future direction. With business environments continually evolving, organisations must regularly re-evaluate their strategies to ensure they maintain competitive advantage. While the fundamental principles remain the same, strategic planning today is notably different than past approaches. Table of Contents What is Strategy? What Is Strategic Planning? The Strategic Planning Process Key Trends Reshaping Strategic Planning The Board’s Role in Strategic Planning The Chairperson’s Role in Strategic Planning The CEO’s Role in Strategic Planning Evolving Approaches to Strategic Planning Overcoming Strategic Planning Challenges Elements of Effective Business Strategy How to Define Strategic Objectives Scenario Planning for Strategic Foresight Implementing Strategic Plans Pitfalls to Avoid in Strategy Execution Evaluating Strategic Plans Updating and Evolving Strategies Criticisms of Strategic Planning Alternatives to traditional strategic planning Strategic Planning Templates In Summary Additional Resources & F.

What are Māori Land Trusts in New Zealand?

Māori land trusts are like other types of trusts but are specifically designed to hold Māori land and manage activities that take place there. Both the Māori Land Court, Te Kooti Whenua Māori, and the Māori Appellate Court, Te Kooti Pira Māori, oversee Māori land matters related to trusts based on the Māori Land Act and other New Zealand laws. These matters including obtaining and maintaining trust status, providing guidance on ownership such as restrictions on transferring shares, and overseeing land management and use to ensure organisations are run according to their purpose.

What is Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Status?

Deductible gift recipient (DGR) status carries with it certain legal responsibilities and only certain types of entities qualify. As with organisations registered as a charity, a deductible gift recipient or DGR receives a special legal status that can only be assigned and endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). These entities must conduct their activities under specific categories. What is a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Status? Entities that are endorsed as a deductible gift recipient (DGR) can receive income tax deductible donations.

What Is Auspicing?

Auspicing is a fairly common practice for unregistered or unincorporated non-profits in Australian such as informal groups or new organisations that may not have legal standing on their own. This type of agreement may be a good fit if a group of individuals or a local club want to run a project or host an event such as a festival or exhibition, a community pilot, a local study group or youth club, or a national sporting competition.

What is a Proprietary Limited Company (Pty Ltd)?

Jump to Section What is a Proprietary Limited Company? Pty Ltd Characteristics Difference between Ltd and Pty Ltd Benefits of Forming a Pty Ltd in Australia How to Set Up a Pty Ltd Company Pty Ltd and the Corporations Act 2001 Additional Resources References One of the most frequent legal structures Australian businesses choose is the proprietary limited company or Pty Ltd. Similar to other company forms such as a company limited by shares or an unlimited company, Pty Ltd entities operating in Australia are regulated by the Corporations Act 2001 and have legal obligations associated with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and the Australian Taxation Office.