The benefits of Good Governance are wide-ranging and occur on a number of different levels:
1. Groups function better – they are more likely to achieve their purposes and meet their financial responsibilities; they will plan more effectively, therefore, maximising their effectiveness and efficiency; they will operate within the law and meet their compliance requirements; they will better manage their risks; and they will develop a reputation as a sound organisation, which in turn will see them viewed more favourably when seeking resources.
2. People affected by the work of the group get better outcomes – members/customers/clients/service users get better services/supports from the group; staff (including volunteers) are better informed/trained/developed/supported, and are kept safe; peak bodies are more confident that the group is operating properly; funders are more confident in the financial management of the group; and patrons can be confident that their contributions are being used appropriately.
3. Committee/board members are individually more effective – they build skills/knowledge/experience and are more confident and better at fulfilling their roles.
(And as it is often the same people who put their hand up for committees time and time again, their skills will be shared with and benefit other groups over time).
4. Last but by no means least, the broader community as a whole benefit – at the local/regional/national levels. With well-functioning groups, our communities are more vibrant – people enjoy being involved with the different groups. By improving the governance practice of our community groups we will see the knock-on effects of strengthening the community from within – communities develop and social capital is built. It really is a case of ‘strengthening communities, one group at a time!
You can download this Blog Post as a tip sheet by clicking here:Tip Sheet_ Why is Good Governance so important_ 08 Sept 2014
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