Are you interested to be on the Deaf Aotearoa Executive Board? Are you the right person for this job? We have created a short video clip explaining what Governance means.

What is governance?

It is how the organisation is run and focuses on the big picture.  The board makes decisions on what the strategic plan will be and makes sure that the organisation is going in the right direction.Governance is not management.  The CEO is responsible for the management and day to day operations of the organisation.

Board Responsibilities:

• Setting long-term goals
• Having the final say when determining yearly objectives
• Ensuring the mission of the organisation is adhered to
• Finalising budgets and allocating funds
• Approving any changes or additions outside the budget
• Taking responsibility for the company's financial records
• Evaluating programs, services, and products
• Evaluating Board members and their performance
• Employing the organisation's CEO, setting his/her compensation package and evaluating his/her performance
• Taking ultimate responsibility for all legal matters
• Taking ultimate responsibility for compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g. annual general meeting, annual returns, audit)
• Appointing auditors and approving the audit of the financial records
• Managing committees
• Maintaining and building the organisation's public profile

The Highs and Lows of Joining a Community Group Board
Before you join a Board or Committee, it is important that you are aware of what you're signing up for. Most community group Board members will tell you that the personal benefits and rewards most definitely outweigh the sacrifices – at least, they do most of the time. But there will no doubt be some frustrations along the way.

The positives

• Making a difference
• Gaining new knowledge
• Gaining new skills
• Expanding your networks
• Putting yourself in context
• Being inspired

The negatives

• Satisfying the bean counters
• Playing Mr Nice Guy
• Lack of motivation
• Assessing effectiveness
• Personality clash