Preview of Gold Level Upgrade Topic

Gold Level Board Minded Subscription is AUD$1995 _{(ex GST)}

• Unlimited access to any four topics for twelve months included.
• Ability to display the Gold Level BMGM seal on documents and websites included.
• Access to an exclusive LinkedIn group for CEOs and Chairs being stablished for Gold Level members to allow them to interact with each other online.
• Invitation to an annual Governance Matters half-day governance workshop presented by Kate Costello and a surprise guest.
  The event is streamed live to allow those unable to attend to watch it via the website or view at a later stage. It will delivers an update on governance best practices and features a lively Q&A session on governance topics.
  Choose the Gold Level Upgrade below with four topics.

About the Presenter – Kate Costello

Governance Matters’ founder Kate Costello is widely recognised as an expert in advising corporate and not-for-profit clients on strategy, restructures, skilling programs and board evaluations that have enhanced company and board performances both at home and abroad. When not applying her mind to improving the world’s corporate governance practices, the University of Melbourne law graduate finds time to engage in her other passion of archaeology and its study of human behaviour through the ages.

Preview of Duties and Responsibilities of Directors Topic

Board members who don’t have a legal background are often confused about their legal duties. We have seen lots of examples of this from conflicts of interest that are “ignored” or not handled properly to board members who don’t understand accounts and financial statements and can’t tell whether the organisation is solvent – for which they are responsible.

The Duties and Responsibilities of Directors (Board Members) covers the legal duties owed by board members. It uses case studies to explain the concepts in a simple, concise and easy to understand way.

It looks at:

• who is a “director”
• the duty to act in the best interests of the organisation, not your own
• conflicts of interest and how to handle them
• care and diligence
• remaining solvent
• the rights of board members

You will also get:

• a copy of the power points
• a checklist so your board can see how it measures up

It’s a perfect topic for:

• induction of new board members
• reminding board members about their duties

What our subscribers say

“The Duties and Responsibilities of Directors simplifies the message into plain English and uses case studies really well to explain concepts”. Paul Edginton, CEO, SYC.

About the Presenter – Kate Costello

Governance Matters’ founder Kate Costello is widely recognised as an expert in advising corporate and not-for-profit clients on strategy, restructures, skilling programs and board evaluations that have enhanced company and board performances both at home and abroad. When not applying her mind to improving the world’s corporate governance practices, the University of Melbourne law graduate finds time to engage in her other passion of archaeology and its study of human behaviour through the ages.

Charity: $5 is set aside for The Australian Indigenous Education Foundation each time a subscriber selects this topic.

Preview of Understanding Financial Statements – Part 1 – Balance Sheet and Income Statement Topic

You can’t afford to be on a Board and not have a basic understanding of financial statements. The law demands this of you.

Understanding Financial Statements (Part I – Balance Sheet and Income Statement) introduces Board Members to the basics of accounts:

• the balance sheet and common items found in it
• the income statement (P&L) and usual inclusions
• how the balance sheet and income statement can and can’t be trusted

You will also get:

• a copy of hypothetical financial statements so you can follow the numbers and the logic while you view the program

It’s a perfect topic for:

• induction of new board members
• stimulating a board discussion about the financial information it receives

What our Subscribers say

“If you are a Board Member and don’t have a background in finance or accounting this is a must for you.” John Munchenberg, Chair, Balcos Pty Ltd.

About the Presenter – Ben Miels

It’s fair to say Ben Miels is something of a sports tragic. His resume is sprinkled with board positions at organisations such as Greyhound Racing SA and the SA Motorsport Advisory Board, but away from the tracks and playing fields, this dynamic and multi-awarded chartered accountant and managing partner at professional services firm Edwards Marshall is an eminent authority on business disciplines ranging from taxation to risk management and has consulted to a wide array of industries.

Charity: $5 is set aside for The Australian Childhood Foundation each time a subscriber selects this topic.

Preview of Understanding Financial Statements – Part 2 – Cash Flow Statements Topic

I’m sure you have heard the quote ”cash is king”! Do you understand why this is so?

Understanding Financial Statements (Part II – Cash Flow Statement) looks at one critical component of the financial statements – cash flow. It highlights,

• why it’s imperative to monitor cash flow statements
• what the cash flow statement can tell you about the income statement
• how the cash flow statement can help validate the other financial statements
• how to recognise financial alarm bells

You will also get:

• a copy of hypothetical financial statements so you can follow the numbers and the logic while you view the program

It’s a perfect topic for:

• induction of new board members
• stimulating a board discussion about the financial information it receives

What our subscribers say

“The finance topics are pitched at exactly the right level for Board Members who want to understand financial statements.” John Munchenberg, Chair, Balcos Pty Ltd.

About the Presenter – Ben Miels

It’s fair to say Ben Miels is something of a sports tragic. His resume is sprinkled with board positions at organisations such as Greyhound Racing SA and the SA Motorsport Advisory Board, but away from the tracks and playing fields, this dynamic and multi-awarded chartered accountant and managing partner at professional services firm Edwards Marshall is an eminent authority on business disciplines ranging from taxation to risk management and has consulted to a wide array of industries.

Charity: $5 is set aside for The Australian Childhood Foundation each time a subscriber selects this topic.

Preview of Tracking the Right Financial Ratios Topic

Financial ratios help you to compare the performance of your organisation over time and with other, like, organisations.

Tracking the Right Financial Ratios assists board members to work out:

• which financial ratios are most relevant to their organisation
• how and when to report financial ratios to the board
• using ratios to compare performance with other similar organisations

You will also get:

• a handout listing the most common financial ratios

It’s a perfect topic for:

• induction of new board members
• stimulating a board discussion about the financial information it receives

What our subscribers say

“View this topic and then talk about the right financial ratios for your board to track. It’s a great conversation to have.” Glen Brewer, Receiver General (Board Member), St John Ambulance Australia.

About the Presenter – Ben Miels

It’s fair to say Ben Miels is something of a sports tragic. His resume is sprinkled with board positions at organisations such as Greyhound Racing SA and the SA Motorsport Advisory Board, but away from the tracks and playing fields, this dynamic and multi-awarded chartered accountant and managing partner at professional services firm Edwards Marshall is an eminent authority on business disciplines ranging from taxation to risk management and has consulted to a wide array of industries.

Charity: $5 is set aside for The Australian Childhood Foundation each time a subscriber selects this topic.

Preview of Encourage the Board to Think, Plan and Act Strategically Topic

Our research shows:

“84% of NFP and government entity CEOs believe their boards interfere in operational issues which should be the domain of management. Only 23% of chairs or boards agree” and “84% of government and NFP boards don’t measure strategic outcomes (strategic KPIs). They only measure activities”.

Encourage the Board to Think, Plan and Act Strategically is about helping boards understand the importance of working at a strategic level and not spending an inordinate amount of time on the small details which should be left to management. It provides some tools to assist, including a tested and tried process for developing a robust 2-3 page strategic plan.

The topic looks at:

• the meaning of “Strategy”
• the board’s responsibility for Strategy
• the strategic planning process
• the board’s Strategy toolbox

You will also get:

• a copy of the power points
• a checklist so your board can see how it measures up

It’s a perfect topic for:

• viewing before strategic planning exercises
• setting the board’s agenda so the strategic comes first

What our subscribers say

“Encourage the Board to Think, Plan and Act Strategically included some great reminders to board members and some simple messages to help focus the board on the strategic document and measuring outcomes”. Catherine Schultz, Board Member, SYC

About the Presenter – Kate Costello

Governance Matters’ founder Kate Costello is widely recognised as an expert in advising corporate and not-for-profit clients on strategy, restructures, skilling programs and board evaluations that have enhanced company and board performances both at home and abroad. When not applying her mind to improving the world’s corporate governance practices, the University of Melbourne law graduate finds time to engage in her other passion of archaeology and its study of human behaviour through the ages.

Charity: $5 is set aside for the Jodi Lee Foundation each time a subscriber selects this topic.

Preview of The Board’s Role in Risk Management Topic

There is a whole industry around risk management with risk registers and coloured “heat” charts.

But, does your board understand how to agree your organisation’s risk appetite and what risks to monitor, how often? More importantly, do you know what company collapses have shown is the best risk mitigator for an organisation?

The Board’s Role in Risk Management covers the development of a risk management policy for approval by the board.

It looks at:

• the importance of culture
• risk management policies and processes

You will also get:

• a copy of the power points
• a checklist so your board can see how it measures up

It’s a perfect topic for:

• induction of new board members
• viewing as part of strategic planning exercises

About the Presenter – Kate Costello

Governance Matters’ founder Kate Costello is widely recognised as an expert in advising corporate and not-for-profit clients on strategy, restructures, skilling programs and board evaluations that have enhanced company and board performances both at home and abroad. When not applying her mind to improving the world’s corporate governance practices, the University of Melbourne law graduate finds time to engage in her other passion of archaeology and its study of human behaviour through the ages.

Charity: $5 is set aside for the Amy Gillett Foundation each time a subscriber selects this topic.

Preview of What Effective Chairs Do Topic

We’ve all worked with good and “bad” Chairs and know the difference this makes to effective governance. Most “bad” Chairs are not malevolent, they often just don’t understand the myriad responsibilities of the role. They usually have to learn by trial and error.

What Effective Chairs Do is about how to select the right Chairs and ensure they understand all dimensions of the role. The role requires as much work, if not more, outside the boardroom as in it. Tips from clever Chairs are provided.

The topic also looks at:

• calibre and competence
• managing relationships
• chairing meetings

You will also get:

• a copy of the power points
• a checklist so your board can see how it measures up

It’s a perfect topic for:

• helping board’s to select the right chair
• inducting new chairs

About the Presenter – Kate Costello

Governance Matters’ founder Kate Costello is widely recognised as an expert in advising corporate and not-for-profit clients on strategy, restructures, skilling programs and board evaluations that have enhanced company and board performances both at home and abroad. When not applying her mind to improving the world’s corporate governance practices, the University of Melbourne law graduate finds time to engage in her other passion of archaeology and its study of human behaviour through the ages.

Charity: $5 is set aside for the Mary Potter Foundation each time a subscriber selects this topic.

Preview of Improving Board Decision Making Topic

“…intelligent, caring individuals regularly exhibit procedures of governance that are deeply flawed”
John Carver, Boards that Make a Difference

Boards think they make rational decisions but psychology tells it differently.

Improving Board Decision-Making challenges board members to question their belief in their innate ability by introducing psychological research and case studies demonstrating that human thinking and decisions can be flawed. This is new territory for boards. Specific board techniques to guard against these “flaws” are covered.

You will also get:

• a copy of the power points
• a checklist so your board can see how it measures up

It’s a perfect topic for:

• induction of new board members
• discussing prior to taking major decisions

About the Presenter – Kate Costello

Governance Matters’ founder Kate Costello is widely recognised as an expert in advising corporate and not-for-profit clients on strategy, restructures, skilling programs and board evaluations that have enhanced company and board performances both at home and abroad. When not applying her mind to improving the world’s corporate governance practices, the University of Melbourne law graduate finds time to engage in her other passion of archaeology and its study of human behaviour through the ages.

Charity: $5 is set aside for the Cancer Council SA each time a subscriber selects this topic.

Preview of Board Evaluations Topic

Everyone else in the organisation is evaluated, so why not the board?

Board Evaluations explains the ways in which the board can demonstrate leadership and:

• evaluate its own performance
• evaluate its committees
• evaluate individual board members and the Chair
• work out ways to improve the governance of the organisation
• undertake a mini board evaluation

You will also get:

• a governance health check-list which your board can use to conduct a mini board evaluation

It’s a perfect topic for:

• allaying fears about governance evaluations
• discussion by boards before deciding which methodology of evaluation to adopt

About the Presenter – Kate Costello

Governance Matters’ founder Kate Costello is widely recognised as an expert in advising corporate and not-for-profit clients on strategy, restructures, skilling programs and board evaluations that have enhanced company and board performances both at home and abroad. When not applying her mind to improving the world’s corporate governance practices, the University of Melbourne law graduate finds time to engage in her other passion of archaeology and its study of human behaviour through the ages.

Charity: $5 is set aside for SYC each time a subscriber selects this topic.