The Governance spot

This page serves as a valuable reference for Committee members, aspiring Committee members, and Association members who wish to familiarize themselves with the Governance framework of the Committee of Management and our Association. It compiles a list of resources that can benefit all members of our Association.

By providing access to these resources, we aim to empower our Committee members to carry out their roles effectively and efficiently, with our legal obligations.  Additionally, we extend our assistance to those who aspire to serve on the Committee, giving them the opportunity to prepare and gain insights into the Governance framework.

For our Association members, this page serves as a window into the operations and decision-making processes of the Committee of Management. By understanding the Governance framework, in particular our Constitution, members can actively participate in shaping the direction of our Association and contribute to its growth and success.

We believe that informed members are engaged members, and this page is designed to facilitate access to the information required for effective participation and collaboration within our Association. Be it understanding the key responsibilities of Committee members, exploring the policies that govern our Association’s activities, or familiarising yourself with the decision-making processes, these resources are not meant to serve as a comprehensive guide, but a list of key resources. Our own Carmen Champion has provided an excellent coverage of the legal issues for the Association, but in particular for our Committee of Management members.

By providing these resources, we aspire to create a supportive environment for all members of our Association. As we continue to grow and evolve, this page will be regularly updated with new and relevant resources, ensuring that everyone can access the information they need.

Let us embrace this opportunity to strengthen our Association and work together towards achieving our shared goals. We encourage you to explore the resources available on this page and use them as tools to enhance your involvement in the governance of our Committee of Management and Association.

Remember, together we can make a positive difference and drive the success of our Association.

What are the Common problems that Associations or not for profits experience

Directors of NFPs face similar legal liabilities as company directors, in spite of many being volunteers. This highlights a number of important matters for NFP boards to consider:

• the importance of having properly documented procedures, policies and record keeping in place to minimise the risk of performance failure and also to better defend any actions against the organisation;

• training of board/Committee members, especially if directors are volunteers without a business/financial/directorial background;

• having an appropriate method of communicating with other Committee members, members and other stakeholders and to ensure accountability.

Here is a detailed explanation of the risks to Associations prepared by the Australina Institute of Company Directors.

A simple to read overview by Justice Connect

As a committee member of a not-for-profit organisation, most of your functions are likely to be non-legal. The main role of a committee member is to:

• help the organisation pursue its purpose

• make key decisions about planning, resources and strategic direction of the organisation, and

You may also take on a special ‘office’ in the committee, like that of president, secretary or treasurer. Your tasks in these roles may include things like chairing meetings, keeping records up to date and maintaining the finances of the organisation.

However, in performing your main tasks as a committee member, there are some legal duties that you need to keep in mind. These legal duties are not onerous – in many ways they are just simple ethical principles you may think of as ‘common sense’ or ‘good practice’.

In many cases, when you are performing tasks on a committee, you will be complying with the legal duties without even thinking about them. However, it’s a good idea to know what the duties are so that, in the event of any difficult situations, you can be sure to act in compliance with the law.