Five Top Tips for a Productive 2013!

To mark the New Year, the newly established Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) has formulated some quick tips for Not for Profits on how to make 2013 a productive year.

1. A new year is a great opportunity for a fresh start, and you can use it to set expectations about how your governing body (for example board or committee) will do business. Set some goals and consider developing a running action list to keep on track between meetings.

2. Plot significant events for your organisation and your sector on an annual calendar and make sure every board member has a copy. This will help the board ensure its activities are well-timed and easy to communicate to others.

3. Develop an annual agenda that sets out your core business for the year – for example passing your budget, or preparing for the AGM. This will allow you to meet your core responsibilities and also plan for the general business of your board.

4. Consider conducting an evaluation of your board to identify areas for improvement during the year. Developing Your Board (a project by the Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies) provides a free evaluation tool. Consider dedicating some resources to support the professional development of your board.

5. Update your board on trends in the charity and Not for Profit sector including the establishment of the new national regulator for charities – that’s us!

Visit the ACNC website at www.acnc.gov.au