Updating Your Constitution: Steps for Effective Not-for-Profit Governance

Your organisation's constitution (sometimes called governing rules, memorandum of association, or charter) governs how your organisation operates. It is a legal document, a contract and its terms must always be complied with.

According to a recent AES webinar with the Australian Tax Office (ATO), every association or not-for-profit must review its governing documents as part of its self assessment process in claiming not-for-profit status.

In the dynamic not-for-profit sector, it is not unusual for organisations to deviate from their initial path. This means that their current objectives and activities might not align with those stated in their constitutions. 

If your constitution looks like it was written on a typewriter, it is time for an update! Revising your constitution is more than just a task. It's an opportunity to ensure that the document reflects both contemporary legal requirements and your current operations.

Lead your organisation to better governance and a more effective organisation today.

Learn about key topics like:

• Examples of effective constitutions
• Steps to take in reviewing your constitution
• Cost effective methods for changing your constitution
• Ensuring constitution compliance by members

Event Details

• Date: Thursday 15 August
• Time: 12 noon to 1.00pm
• Venue: Online via Zoom 
• Cost: 
  • AES Members: FREE
  • Non-Members: $50

About the Presenters 

Jan Davis, AES Consultant, Specialist in Constitution Review and Development
Tagged as Tasmania's top political lobbyist and one of the most influential people in the state, Jan Davis is a passionate advocate for the industries in which she works. Jan has held executive leadership roles in a number of industry groups and associations. As a non-executive director in many not-for-profit companies, she also has wide governance experience. Jan never lets the grass grow under her feet. With more degrees than you can poke a stick at, she is also a Graduate of the AICD and a Fellow of the Australian Society of Association Executives. Jan provides specialist expertise for AES clients on the following services: constitution review and development, advocacy strategies, strategic planning, submission writing and organisational change.

Nick Koerbin, Executive Director, AES
With over 30 years of management expertise, Executive Director and Founder of AES, Nick Koerbin is one of the most experienced NFP leaders in Australia. He has held positions as the CEO of Materials Australia, the National Parts Code, as well as senior positions in the Institute of Insurance, Australian Quality Council, the Financial Planning Association, the Australian Human Resources Institute, and the Furniture Industry Association of Australia. Nick created AES with a vision of creating a set of management practices that could be consistently followed to ensure success. Over his 30 years in the industry, he noticed that inconsistent management practices often impeded delivery of services to members, which in turn created issues with membership renewal. By establishing AES and creating the NFP Association Best Practice Self-Assessment, Nick has been able to assist leaders in becoming more confident and informed decision makers so that they can create more effective strategies and implementation plans.