An external audit is an unbiased, independent review of an organisation’s financial situation conducted by an external auditor. Most organisations, but not all, are required to have an external audit each year. Understand the role of the auditor ...
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How to create a budget for your organisation
A budget helps us work out what money we have, how much more we are going to get and how much we need to spend. Large organisations may have very complicated budgets that cover a number of years, many projects and a range of funding sources....
How to meet your legal responsibilities as a director
Directors have many responsibilities that come with their governance role. Many directors coming on to a board for the first time are not aware of their obligations. Directors are expected to understand the organisation’s financial affairs, inform...
How to write a constitution for your organisation
A constitution is a legally binding set of rules outlining how your organisation should operate. It details how your organisation will be structured and governed and its main activities. It also explains the roles, responsibilities and powers of the...
How to run effective board meetings
The majority of the work performed by a board is done in board meetings. Board meetings may be formal or informal, open or closed, long or short, but all the general work of governance of the organisation occurs in them. An effective board meeting...
How to induct new board directors
Inducting (introducing) a new director into your organisation and board is an important first step in giving them the information and confidence they need to be effective in their board role. Think about the induction process for a new director as you...
How to be an effective board treasurer
The role of treasurer is vital to the effective operation of your organisation regardless of its size or mission. It is the second most important role on your board after the chair. Being treasurer of a not-for-profit organisation has the same...
How to be an effective board chair
The director who is chosen by the majority of directors to lead and manage the board is referred to as the chair (or the chairperson or president). An effective chair ensures that the board functions efficiently, observes its legal obligations and...
How to be an effective board director
Are you thinking about joining, or have you recently joined, a board? Becoming an effective director of a not-for-profit organisation is a big responsibility and will require you to commit significant time and energy. However, if you are prepared...
How to understand what a board is
You are considering going on a board? Or you are on one and would like to get a good overview of what a board is? This how to is for you. The board of an organisation is its governing body. It decides what an organisation exists for (its purpose)...