Articles written By Better Boards

Understanding the Role of the Chair

In this comprehensive and practical session, George will share his personal experience and insights from his time as the chair of several not-for-profit organisations. He will discuss the challenges and successes he has encountered in the chair role, and the valuable lessons he has learned along the way. George will delve into the specific responsibilities and perspective of the chair and also discuss: Motivating volunteer directors to actively participate and get ‘hands on’

Minutes

Minutes are a reference document for board members and others who weren’t present during the meeting that captures key information from the meeting. For certain organisations they are a form of legal document and can also be used as evidence in cases of litigation since they contain facts about the decisions made by board members. Minutes must be brief but still capture key information that will help board members meet their legal requirements.

Board Portal

A board portal, also known as board meeting software or board management software, is a tool built to improve the way your board runs. Board members use a board portal login, provided by the portal, to access a secure area that houses the information that directors or board members need to fulfill thier roles and responsibilities. The aim of implementing a board portal in your organisation is to allow board administrators and directors to perform their governance roles and responsibilities efficiently.

Circular Resolution

Jump to Section What should a circular resolution contain? Can a directors report be approved by circular resolution? Who can circulate circular resolution? Can a director resign via circular resolution? What cannot be approved through circular resolution? Does a resolution have to be signed by all directors? How do you write a Board of Directors Resolution? How many directors are needed to pass a resolution? Can directors pass written resolutions?

Flying Minutes

Flying minutes are a means of capturing a board decision outside of the normal meeting cycle. Flying minutes are another common name for a circular resolution. Just like a circular resolution the flying minute should document a resolution (decision) with wording to signify that those voting on the decision are in favour of the proposed outcome. Before the advent of board portals flying minute resolutions were often circulated via email or by fax.

How to Handle Conflicts of Interest at your Not-for-profit Organisation

A conflict of interest occurs when someone has the opportunity to use their authority to benefit themselves, instead of the party they’re supposed to be serving. In not-for-profits (NFPs), this can take the form of awarding lucrative supply contracts to family or friends, giving certain people exclusive benefits, or interfering with awards. NFPs have to consistently monitor for conflicts of interest, so that changes with the agenda and board members’ circumstances don’t create an issue no one catches.

Climate Risk Governance – The Role of the Board

Organisations can no longer ignore the pressing need for a proper climate risk governance strategy. Corporate liability due to failure to discharge duty in direct relation to climate risk is now a reality. Boards and directors can — and should — systematically apply a climate risk governance strategy to ensure they have discharged due care and diligence to mitigate this risk. At one of our recent webinars on Climate Risk Governance, Charlotte Turner, Senior Associate at MinterEllison, presented the key ways in which not-for-profit (NFP) boards and directors should effectively govern climate risk.

Clear and Effective Board Papers in Six Steps

In a recent webinar on writing effective board papers, Josh Dowse from Clarity Thought Partners and Head of ESG and Sustainability at SenateSHJ, outlined the six fundamental stages of creating and delivering effective board papers. Here are some key discussions from this webinar to assist you with the preparation of your board papers. Writing effective (and welcome) board papers is a challenge. Breaking it down into these six steps is the key to clarity and getting the result you want.

Free Minute Taking Course: An Introduction for Boards

Free Minute Taking Course: An Introduction for Boards Minute taking is more than just a task—it’s a critical component of good governance that ensures your board remains compliant, accountable, and effective. By mastering this essential skill, you can become an invaluable resource to your board or organisation. Best of all, you can get started for free with our minute-taking course. Are You Ready to Become an Indispensable Asset to Your Board?

Changing Your NFP's Legal Structure (Panel)

Leaders of not-for-profit (NFP) organisations face increasing demand for structure, accountability and transparency from members, government funders, regulators, and donors. There is also considerable growth of NFPs into multi-million-dollar organisations. How an NFP is incorporated (its legal entity) is one factor influencing how NFPs are run, and which informs perceptions of internal and external stakeholders about an NFPs governance. Legally, the process of incorporation creates an entity separate from the people who control it.