Speaking at the not-for-profit professional development event, which took place in Melbourne last week, Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) Assistant Commissioner David Locke said the guide has been written specifically for charity board members and focuses on good governance, which is the cornerstone of effectively run charities.

“The ACNC is committed to supporting and sustaining a robust, vibrant, independent and innovative Australian not-for-profit sector – this is one of three objects of the ACNC Act,” Mr Locke said.

“The purpose of the guide is to give new and existing board members information to help them meet the core minimum governance requirements.”

The guide includes information on:

• Governance and governing your charity
• Governing documents
• Overseeing a charity’s finances
• Common questions for boards
• Duties and responsibilities of board members
• Obligations to the ACNC
• Helpful resources for charities.

The guide will be updated to include the governance and external conduct standards, expected to be introduced from 1 July 2013.