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By Nick Koerbin
No matter the size of your association, risk management is one of the significant challenges facing volunteer boards. Often, Boards are
expected to meet and decide there and then to enter into contracts with suppliers, sometimes worth thousands of dollars, without a proper
risk assessment.
The latest research by Association Executive Services of over
100 Associations in Australia has revealed that very few associations have a structure for conducting a risk assessment on proposed
partnerships or contracts with suppliers.
Most association board members are volunteers and time-poor and are often vulnerable to poor decision-making when entering agreements with
third parties.
To reduce risk to your association, set up a risk management committee.
Here is how to go about it!
💡 Get sign-off from the Board and develop terms of reference for the risk committee. What risks will the committee assess, and how
will they report to the Board?
💡 Identify who should be on the risk committee; it is typically the treasurer and about three other volunteer members who may have
financial, legal, supplier management or similar skills.
💡 Define responsibilities, reporting structure, and duties. When do they meet? Who do they report to?
💡 Develop a risk management framework and risk assessment structure. For example, the risk management committee may need to review
contracts over a certain amount in value.
💡 Identify the assessment process and timelines for reporting to the Board.
💡 Finally, could you ensure there is a Board policy supporting the roles and functions of the risk committee, which forms part of the
compliance under board governance?
What are the secrets to onboarding new members to your Association
The first meeting of an association's Board marks the beginning of a critical working relationship between Board members and the organisation they serve. It sets the tone for governance, collaboration, and strategic direction. A well-structured induction process ensures that new Board members are informed and confident and can contribute meaningfully from day one.
How we help membership based, not-for-profit associations now and into the future.
