It is more evident than ever before that information technologies are essential enablers of almost all strategic and operational activities undertaken by associations and charities. Equally, we must now acknowledge that cyber-risks and cybersecurity concerns present as significant risks for not-for-profit entities. Recognising this, the importance of addressing IT governance and risk management within your… Continue reading IT Governance (and cyber-risk) in your governance framework – Part 2
Tag: associations
Cyber-risk in your governance framework – Part 1
Ensuring that your association or charity has established appropriate defences against cyber attack is now a core aspect of risk management. If your organisation has not yet integrated cyber-risk management within your risk management and governance framework, the following checklist may offer some helpful starting points. The issues encompassed in IT risk management and cyber-risk… Continue reading Cyber-risk in your governance framework – Part 1
Discerning policy truth
Long before the invention of the lie detector and its painless technology, the superstitious and untruthful faced a severe fate between the jaws of the Bocca della Verità, or Mouth of Truth, an ancient carving (illustrated) which was said to bite off the hands of liars. In the present era, where ‘spin’ and ‘fake news’ have… Continue reading Discerning policy truth
Should we make a submission?
Not-for-profit organisations often have opportunities to make submissions in response to inquiries and reviews, and many spend considerable effort in preparing and lodging responses to these. The question of whether to make a submission may best be addressed by reference to a few principles, framed as simple questions. We can learn from the Tasmanian Government… Continue reading Should we make a submission?
Advocacy Campaign Planning Checkup
Does your association or charity have an advocacy issue that needs a campaign plan? If so, you may find the checklist below of some assistance. Alternatively, you may already be involved in a campaign and looking for ways to enhance your plans. Short-term and simple advocacy goals may not warrant a campaign plan, although achievement… Continue reading Advocacy Campaign Planning Checkup
Lobbying and advocacy in the spotlight
Most associations and charities are represented by their senior leaders rather than ex-politicians within professional lobbying firms, and so the code of conduct may not apply directly to your organisation, however, it would be prudent to monitor the debate on the revised code to see what implications may arise for your advocacy work.
Trust in the 21st Century
‘Trust’ is a concept with which associations and charities have had a long and close relationship. The professions, in particular, have long recognised that the asymmetry of knowledge between practitioners and their clients/patients places a special ethical burden on them to always act with the interests of their clients as their top priority. Regrettably, some… Continue reading Trust in the 21st Century
Social Capital: Bonds, Bridges and Linkages
I believe that third sector policy workers are a community of interest who share certain norms, values and understandings, but that this could be enhanced by increased dialogue and sharing of experience amongst practitioners.
Eye on the ball? Board resistance to talking about governance
This is like footballers saying, ‘we want to play better football but don’t talk to us about the rules of the game or how to handle the ball’.
‘Carrots, Sticks and Sermons’ – sorting policy types
If public and governance policies were the only types we had to deal with there might be less confusion, however in associations, charities and other not-for-profit organisations we also use the term ‘policy’ in other ways