Help Shape the Governance of the Social Sector

The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) is asking for feedback on the current challenges and opportunities facing the social sector.

Submissions will form part of the AICD’s annual Not For Profit Governance and Performance Study aimed at building a stronger and more sustainable sector.

Now in its eighth year, the 2017 survey will focus on financial sustainability, risk management, culture and disability organisations.

AICD not-for-profit sector lead Phil Butler said the findings would help to identify future research and advocacy as well as developing tools and resources to help directors and senior executives achieve good governance.

“This year, the governance study will explore the role of culture in a NFP context and its relationship to organisational performance. It will also consider how NFP boards identify and manage risk, and the attitudes that NFP directors take towards risk,” Butler said.

Last year the survey found only 15 per cent of respondents were paid a director’s fee and 70 per cent were spending more than two days a month performing their duties, two-thirds of respondents wanted more stability in government policy and 55 per cent wanted to see the  administration burden removed.

The 2016 survey also found a “survive over thrive” mentality with close to half of not for profits expected to break even or make a loss over the coming three years.

Butler said not for profit non-executive directors and senior executives were encouraged to apply.

The survey can be accessed here and will be open until Wednesday 31 May.