Building Governance Confidence – Online Governance Series for Volunteer Board Members NELSON/TASMAN

Many volunteer board members step into governance roles because they care about their community — not because they’ve had formal training in governance, compliance, or financial oversight.

This 13-session series - brought to you by Kōtuitui Community Development Agency and Volunteer Marlborough - is designed to support volunteer board members to feel more confident, capable, and clear in their role.

Building Governance Confidence is a practical, discussion-based programme that strengthens governance capability while reducing risk for both individuals and organisations.

If you are interested in attending the series in person in Blenheim, a parallel series will be running there - please visit the Volunteer Marlborough website to register for the Blenheim in person 13-part series.

Format

• 11 x 1-hour online sessions + 2 x 1.5 hour in-person sessions (the first and last ones in Nelson)

• Fortnightly

• Designed for board members from across not-for-profit organisations

• Practical and interactive

Each session includes:

• Real-world examples

• Clear explanations of governance responsibilities

• Discussion and reflection

• Practical tools and templates

• 1–2 actions to take back to your board

Topics Covered

• Governance basics and legal duties

• Understanding key governance documents

• Reading financial statements with confidence

• Effective board meetings and decision-making

• Strategy that stays alive

• Risk and compliance essentials

• Managing conflict and tough conversations

• Board recruitment and succession planning

• Monitoring performance

• Funding, accountability, and decision-making

• Embedding good governance practices

Who Should Attend?

• Volunteer board members

• Trustees

• Committee members

• Board Chairs

• New and experienced governors

• People considering stepping into governance

No prior governance training required.

What You’ll Gain

By the end of the series, you will:

• Understand your governance responsibilities clearly

• Feel more confident contributing at board level

• Be better equipped to support effective decision-making

• Have practical tools you can use immediately

• Be connected with other board members across the region

Facilitator

The series is facilitated by Liz Webb of Practics, an experienced governance and strategy practitioner who specialises in translating governance theory into practical, usable approaches for community organisations.

Strong governance strengthens communities.

Secure your place and invest in your board’s confidence and capability.

Please note, the first and last sessions are in person. These sessions will run for 1.5 hours, 6.30pm-8pm.

The first and last session will be held at Greenmeadows Community Centre, Cnr Stoke Main Road and Songer Street, 491 Main Road, Stoke Nelson.