The imperative of governance development
Author: LEAD CEO & Director Sandy Thompson
The Imperative of Governance Development.
Warning, this blog ends with some unashamed marketing!
In the dynamic landscape of not-for-profit organisations, effectiveness and
sustainability largely hinge on the capability and vision of their governance team.
With their pivotal role in steering organisations towards their vision and goals, boards
face an ever-evolving array of challenges and opportunities. Consequently, ongoing
professional development, including governance training and networking, is a non-
negotiable necessity rather than a mere enhancement.
The Role of Governance Boards and Committees in Not-for-Profits
Governance boards form the backbone of our organisations. They provide strategic
direction, ensure accountability, and safeguard the integrity and values of the
organisation. These responsibilities, though noble, are fraught with complexities and
require a blend of skills, insights, and foresight.
Why Ongoing Professional Development Matters:
1. Adapting to Changing Landscapes
The not-for-profit sector is not immune to the rapid changes characterising the
current world. From regulatory shifts to socio-economic transformations, leaders
must stay abreast of these changes to navigate effectively. Continuous learning
ensures board members are equipped with the latest information and strategies to
respond proactively.
2. Enhancing Governance Skills
Good governance is a skill honed over time and through commitment and ongoing
learning. Training programmes specifically focused on governance can significantly
improve decision-making, strategic planning, stewardship, and values based
leadership. This training is crucial for maintaining an ethical compass and enabling
oversight of the operational effectiveness of the organisation.
3. Fostering Innovation and Creativity
Engaging in ongoing professional development exposes board members to new
ideas, trends, and good practices. This exposure is instrumental in fostering
innovative approaches to problem-solving and programme development, ensuring
that the organisation does not stagnate but evolves.
4. Networking Opportunities
Professional development should includes networking components that allow
members to connect with peers from other organisations. These interactions are
invaluable for sharing experiences, challenges, and solutions, and fostering a
collaborative spirit that transcends organisational boundaries. Recent LEAD
research identified a collaboration mindset as a key dimension in a successful
governance team.
5. Building Public Trust and Credibility
Organisations whose leaders are committed to continuous learning and improvement
are more likely to earn the trust and support of their staff and external stakeholders.
This credibility is essential given our organisation’s reliance on community goodwill
for resources and influence.
What does an Effective Professional Development Programme for a board look
like?
Tailored Training Solutions: Training should be designed to address the specific
needs and challenges of not-for-profit and community organisations.
Accessibility and Flexibility: Considering the predominance of the voluntary nature of
governance, training opportunities should be accessible and flexible, accommodating
diverse schedules..
Incorporating Diverse Perspectives: Training should bring in a range of
perspectives, including insights from experts, to enrich the learning experience.
Measuring Impact: The effectiveness of training should be evaluated regularly to
ensure they are meeting their objectives and providing a tangible return on
investment. (BTW LEAD can provide you with some evaluation questions to do this)
Here’s how LEAD can help!
The mission of LEAD is to build the capacity of our sector through leadership development, and strengthening not-for-profit Boards and Committees is an important part of the strategy.
Join us on the first Wednesday of every month for 90 mins of online Governance training for existing or prospective boards of not for profit and community organisations. These workshops can be taken as standalone ‘Bytes’ or you can register for the whole series.
Here’s what you can look forward to in our Governance Bytes 2024 Workshop series:
Gain a good understanding of what effective governance looks like and how to develop it in your boards
Develop clarity about governance processes and the boards relationships with the staff and volunteers in your organisation
Be up to date on your legal obligations both individually and collectively
Grow your ability to think and act strategically as leaders within the organisation and gather practical tools and tips to streamline meetings, events and Board processes
Meet others who are serving on boards all around Aotearoa
Costs for the series
$69 + GST pers session (Whole Series 10% off = $683 + GST)
** Extra complimentary session on May 5th: Cheering on the Chairs
To Register for our Governance Bytes 2024 Workshop series, click HERE
LEAD are also pleased to offer an exclusive opportunity to return and build upon the skills, knowledge and experience you’ve gained since participating in LEAD’s Introduction to Leading Community Organisations programme, in our 10 week Leadership Masterclass starting on May 3.
Join the LEAD team for a robust and varied range of current leadership perspectives such as:
Leading in the Aotearoa context
Coaching your people
Partnering with Boards
Leading change
Crisis Leadership
Partnering with Maori
Strategic fundraising, building a strategy that makes a difference
Putting wellbeing at the centre of what you do
Volunteerism and managing volunteers
Join us online for a mixture of whole group sessions, peer focus groups, self directed activities and the opportunity to network with other community leaders from across Aotearoa.
Cost: $695+ GST for the entire 10 week online programme
To Register for the Masterclass - Leading Community Organisations programme, click HERE