Strong Governance

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What is Governance?

‘Governance’ describes all the practices, processes and policies that help guide a business or service in the right direction.  Governance sets the rules and actions of the organisation – how it is structured, sustained, regulated, and held accountable. 

The governance of an organisation is usually managed by a ‘governing body’ generally referred to as either a Board or Management Committee. This body consists of a set number of people with varying skills and knowledge elected and appointed within a structured legal process and confirmed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Depending on the type of organisation, the governance process can vary from very ‘formal’ processes to more collaborative systems. Regardless of the process, governance has legal obligations. 

Strong Governance

When we use the term ‘strong governance’ (or ‘good governance’) we are usually referring to an organisation’s strong oversight and accountability. This means that it demonstrates consistent leadership, and cohesive policies, processes and decision-making. It also means that the organisation functions in a way that is transparent and supports and respects the rights of all its stakeholders (including the governing body, management, staff, clients, funders and the community).

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Strong governance sets the tone and direction for others to follow so that people associated with the organisation know what to expect, what to do, and how to behave 

How to Set up a Strong Governing Body

Establishing a strong governing body means selecting people that, together, can provide the leadership, skills and representations that are required to reflect the service, the community, and other stakeholders

 Below are six areas that will help ensure your Board or Management Committee is able to effectively guide your organisation. They align to the Australian Service Excellence Standards.

A competent Board or Management Committee, through word and action,
actively demonstrates leadership, responsibility, accountability, integrity and transparency

How Can We Help?

Setting Up the Governing Body for Success

Highwire is flexible and offers many opportunities to assist organisations to set up their governance body and processes. For example, we can help you: 

  • Identify skills that your governing body needs now and into the future
  • Establish guidelines for the governing body
  • Implement effective recruitment of the governing body members 
  • Improve the quality and effectiveness of governance now and into the future
  • Clarify the role of the governing body and senior management
  • Identify strengths to build on and areas for improvement

Board or Management Committee Support

We offer professional development options and workshops to assist governing bodies, including: 

Cost:

  • Workshops: $1800 per day
    (5% discount for small organisations with less than 10 staff)
  • Negotiated cost for personalised program

Online training and support are also available

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