Articles written By Better Boards

What does it take to be a high performing non-profit Board?

Boards operate and communicate differently because at the end of the day, they are made up of human beings who have individually experienced life in different ways. One of the key aspects to high-performing non-profit Boards, is found at the intersection of IQ, EQ and SQ (Spiritual intelligence). Join Melissa and hear her thoughts after having worked with hundreds of non-profit Boards, on what the common elements she has seen to high-performing non-profit Boards .

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What is a Charitable Company in New Zealand?

A Charitable company is a private limited liability company registered under the Corporations Act and meeting the definition of a charitable entity. In New Zealand Aotearoa a charitable company has been registered as a charity on the Department of Internal Affairs Charities Register, and is eligible to receive a tax exemption. Charitable Company status is a good choice for group members who want to limit the liability of shareholders, retain flexible decision making, and have a trading purpose.

Who Regulates Not-for-Profit Organisations in New Zealand?

In recent years, not-for-profit organisations in New Zealand have seen several legislative changes that have had a big impact on the sector. For starters, organisational activities and community needs, along with board member responsibilities, risks, and legal obligations have all increased. While all not-for-profits are created to benefit the public and their members, not all of them need to register as a charity. The legal structure and status you choose as a non-profit will depend on whether or not the organisation has a charitable purpose and what activities you plan to conduct.

Accountability

In the realm of governance, accountability is a foundational concept all board members or directors need to grasp. In the boardroom context accountability specifically refers to the obligation of the board of directors to be able to clearly explain and take responsibility for their decisions, actions, and the overall performance of the organisation they govern. In short, it’s about providing a transparent account of actions taken and decisions made, with an expectation of answerability.

Acquittal

In the context of not-for-profit governance and not-for-profit fundraising, acquittal refers to the fulfilment or discharge of obligations relating to funding arrangements. This term is commonly used when an organisation has received a grant or funding from an external source, such as a government agency, a private foundation or charitable trust. Acquittal Process The acquittal process involves demonstrating that these funds have been used appropriately and according to the terms set out in the funding agreement.

What are NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations)?

NGOs, or Non-Governmental Organisations play an important part in making services accessible to communities around the world. In 2019-2020, NGOs in Australia delivered 2,758 projects in 93 countries. Their work represents more than $1.27 Billion invested in international projects in 2019-2020 alone (ACFID, 2023). While each mandate can differ, NGOs all have a similar interest in developing social capacity in areas where governments may have little to no access or few resources to take action.

B Corps or B Corporations in Australia

B Corps are a special group of for-profit entities that prioritise the needs of workers, communities, the planet, and consumers, and take a socially responsible approach to their business. Australia and New Zealand are home to almost 10% of the world’s B Corps. In terms of legal status, B Corporations are not a specific category of entity per se, but even so, the industry has incorporated standards and best practices.

Post-nominals

Jump to Section Australia: Director Post-nominals Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Governance Institute of Australia (GIA) Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) New Zealand: Director Post-nominals The Institute Of Directors (IoD) Governance New Zealand (GNZ) What are the potential benefits of director post-nominals? Are qualifications and post-nominals useful? Are post-nominals a useful indicator for board recruitment? Like regular post-nominals (letters designating degrees, professional certifications, awards, etc. used after a person’s name such as CPA, MBAs or JD) director specific post-nominals are letters placed after a person’s name to indicate their professional qualifications and affiliations relevant to serving on an organisation’s board of directors.