The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Not-for-Profit Governance & Performance Study 2022-23 reveals the increased challenges and demands impacting directors in the not-for-profit sector.

The latest edition of the annual NFP Study shows that directors are being required to commit more time and provide greater and more rigorous focus to the operations of their not-for-profit organisations.

Tougher governance standards resulting from various Royal Commissions, workforce shortages and the ongoing legacy of COVID-19 all continue to affect not-for-profit organisations, with many leaders forced to re-evaluate their role in this vital sector.

“It’s important that the regulatory environment doesn’t serve as a handbrake on the sector, with the risk that NFP enterprises become overburdened,” said Mark Rigotti, AICD Managing Director and CEO.

Rigotti highlighted that this annual survey gives us an important insight into the contribution directors make to the not-for-profit sector and the additional demands they face.

Almost half of the survey respondents reported that they spent more than three days a month on their primary director role, and as many directors are on more than one board, the time commitment can be considerable.

Related: AICD updates best practice guide to governance amid sector concern

The percentage of NFP directors being remunerated has grown to a survey high of 22%, with an average pay rate of almost $23,000. But most 76% are unpaid or only have their expenses covered.

While the financial impact of COVID-19 has not been as significant as originally feared, the study shows the NFP sector remains under considerable financial pressure. Profitability has continued to decline, with about 50 per cent of organisations making a loss or breaking even.

“While strong regulation and compliance are necessary, and done with the best intentions, it would be counterproductive if this comes at the expense of service delivery,” Rigotti added.

Some sub-sectors were under even more pressure, with Health and Residential Aged Care reporting only 41 per cent made a profit. The AICD remains committed to improving the capability of leaders within the NFP sector.

AICD programs and resources include more than 200 scholarships provided to leaders of small NFPs every year, to undertake the Governance Foundations for NFP Directors course.

The AICD NFP Governance and Performance Study is carried out with the assistance of the Commonwealth Bank. It remains the biggest survey on governance in the NFP sector with over 2,300 director-respondents contributing to the 2022-23 edition.