The efficient and accountable management of a not for profit (NFP) sport and recreation organisation is all about good governance. Governance is the system by which sport and recreation organisations are directed and controlled and it is the board of directors/committee members who are responsible for that governance.

The Australian Womensport & Recreation Association (AWRA) and Axelis want to encourage the active participation of women in the administration of sport and recreation organisations. Committees and boards need members/directors who, as well as being appropriately knowledgeable, can bring some balance in gender representation and gender considerations to the board table. 

To assist you practice good governance as a board/committee member, AWRA and Axelis have developed this Speedlearn, Understanding and Implementing Good Governance, which will provide you with some essential guidance on understanding and practicing good governance.

The key components of understanding good governance include:

• Understanding the appropriate incorporation structures and their implications for not-for-profit (NFP) organisations;
• The role and responsibility of the board in planning for and leading the organisation in line with its mission, values and philosophy
• Understanding the legal framework and resulting obligations within which you work as an NFP director;
• Embracing the organisation and control required to plan for and address the ongoing issues and needs facing the NFP
• Familiarity with Best Practice Guidelines

Everyone has their own unique needs, circumstances and preferences. Accordingly, SpeedLearns have been designed to be flexible so they can be used in various ways. Consider the following suggestions and use the one that best fits your particular needs:

• For immediate access to useful workplace-relevant tools such as templates and exemplars, go straight to them via the Useful Tools menu items found on the left;
• If you need information only about main topics, use the contents menu found above left; or
• If you need to learn as much as you can about this topic, read through the product from start to finish. To navigate through this product simply click on the relevant content items which appear in red in numbered order under the Main Topics item found in the upper left corner.

In addition, make sure that you check the definitions provided in the glossary. We will use a standard terminology to avoid confusion and you need to be clear about the meanings of particular terms to get the most out of this Speedlearn.

If you require more information regarding understanding governance, check out these related SpeedLearns:

• How to Establish the Health of Your Organisation;
• About Financial Management;
• Committee Readiness.

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