Masterclass Workshop: Updating Your Constitution

MASTERCLASS WORKSHOP

Updating Your Constitution - What You Need To Know

WEDNESDAY 9TH DECEMBER 2026 I 10:30AM - 12:30PM AEDT I Online via Zoom

Is your Constitution still fit for purpose?

Your Constitution is one of your organisation’s most important governance documents. It sets the rules for how your organisation operates, how decisions are made and the responsibilities of members and the Board.

But as organisations evolve, Constitutions don’t always keep pace.

An outdated Constitution can create unnecessary complexity, restrict how your organisation operates and potentially expose it to governance and compliance risks.

About the Masterclass

This Masterclass will help association and not-for-profit leaders recognise when a Constitution may need updating and understand how to approach the review process.

You’ll gain practical guidance on ensuring your Constitution reflects the way your organisation operates today — while supporting its future direction.

What will we cover?

• Signs your Constitution may be outdated or no longer fit for purpose
• Common issues found in older Constitutions
• Membership, Board, meeting and voting provisions
• Governance and regulatory considerations
• How to approach a Constitution review
• When legal advice may be required

Why review your Constitution?

Changes to membership structures, technology, Board practices and regulatory requirements can all affect whether your Constitution remains appropriate. The ATO’s increased focus on not-for-profit organisations reviewing their governing documents also makes this a timely opportunity to ensure your Constitution accurately reflects your organisation’s purpose and operations.

Who should attend?

Presidents • Chairs • Vice Presidents • Board Members • CEOs • Executive Officers • Emerging Board Leaders

Whether your Constitution needs a simple refresh or a more substantial overhaul, this Masterclass will help you understand what to look for, what questions to ask and how to get started.

Masterclass Workshop Facilitator: Jan Davis

Jan Davis is an experienced not-for-profit CEO and board director with decades of experience in governance, executive leadership, and organisational transformation across diverse industry sectors. She has served as CEO of several state and national peak bodies, where she developed a reputation for strategic insight, collaborative leadership, and delivering measurable results for members and stakeholders.

Today, Jan works as a consultant to not-for-profits, providing tailored support in organisational modernisation, governance training, strategic and business planning, and leadership mentoring. Jan is widely recognised for her ability to guide organisations through times of growth and change, ensuring they remain focused, resilient, and positioned for long-term success. Her approach combines a deep understanding of the sector’s unique challenges with practical, hands-on experience to strengthen governance frameworks, improve board performance, and achieve sustainable organisational outcomes.

Attendance at AES events is limited to employees and Board members of not-for-profit organisations.
Commercial suppliers, vendors and consultants are not eligible to attend, including those working within the NFP sector.