Not-for-profit governance is skilled work. It deserves skilled support.
Practical governance, compliance, and strategic support for not-for-profit and community organisations across Australia.
Not-for-profit organisations carry governance obligations that are every bit as significant as those in the corporate sector — often with less infrastructure, smaller teams, and boards made up entirely of volunteers giving their time because they believe in the mission.
The Planning and Practice Hub works alongside NFP boards, CEOs, and founding members to build governance structures that are fit for purpose, meet regulatory requirements, and actually support the organisation to do its best work. From setting up a new charity through to strengthening the governance of an established organisation navigating growth, reform, or regulatory scrutiny.
Rachel Willis brings a career that spans every level of this work — as a practitioner, a government funder, a CEO, and a current volunteer board director. She understands what good NFP governance looks like from the inside, what regulators look for from the outside, and what the gap between them costs organisations that do not get the foundations right.
What this service covers.
Strategic Planning
Facilitated strategic planning for NFPs, community organisations, and peak bodies. Produces plans that reflect genuine organisational voice, translate reform agendas into operational direction, and give boards a clear framework for accountability. Includes SWOT and environmental scan, stakeholder engagement, Strategy House development, and Plan on a Page.
Charity Setup and Constitution
Support for new charities and incorporated associations to establish the right legal structure, draft or review their constitution, apply for ACNC registration, and build the governance foundations that will hold up as the organisation grows. Includes entity type advice, objects clause drafting, membership structure, and initial governance framework.
Company Secretary Support
On-demand or ongoing company secretary support for NFPs operating as companies limited by guarantee. Includes AGM preparation and management, board meeting documentation, ASIC and ACNC compliance, minutes, resolutions, and register maintenance.
Board Governance Reviews
Independent review of board effectiveness, governance structures, and practice against the AICD NFP Governance Principles and ACNC governance standards. Produces a findings report with prioritised recommendations. Useful ahead of a significant funding application, after a governance incident, or as part of a regular governance health check.
ACNC Compliance and Reporting
Support for registered charities to meet their ACNC obligations including Annual Information Statements, financial reporting requirements, and governance standards. Includes compliance health checks, reporting support, and advice on what triggers ACNC investigation and how to manage it.
Conflict of Interest Frameworks
Design and implementation of conflict of interest policies, registers, and board processes. One of the most common governance failures identified by the ACNC and one of the most straightforward to fix with the right framework in place.
CEO and Board Relationship
Support for boards and CEOs to clarify the boundary between governance and management, establish effective reporting frameworks, and build a productive working relationship. Includes board reporting templates, delegation frameworks, and facilitated conversations where the relationship has broken down.
Funding Acquittal Support
Support for NFPs to meet their grant reporting and acquittal obligations. Includes outcome measurement frameworks, acquittal report preparation, and funder relationship management.
Merger and Restructure Advice
Strategic and governance advice for NFPs exploring merger, amalgamation, or restructure. Includes options analysis, due diligence support, constitutional requirements, and transition planning.
Incorporated Association to CLG Conversion
Practical support for growing organisations converting from incorporated association to company limited by guarantee, including legal structure advice, ASIC registration, constitution drafting, and ACNC notification requirements.
Organisations at every stage.
Whether you are a founding group establishing a new charity, a volunteer board trying to get the governance basics right, an established NFP preparing for growth or audit, or a CEO navigating a complex governance challenge — the Planning and Practice Hub works alongside you with practical, sector-grounded support.
This service is suited to:
- New charities and community groups establishing their legal and governance foundations
- Small and medium NFPs that lack access to dedicated governance expertise
- Established organisations preparing for ACNC review or significant funding applications
- Volunteer boards that need practical guidance rather than generic advice
- CEOs and executive directors who need a trusted governance partner outside the organisation
Sector resources.
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
ACNC registration, governance standards, annual reporting, and compliance obligations.
Pro Bono Australia
National news and resources for the NFP and community sector including funding opportunities, sector news, and governance guidance.
NCOSS — Council of Social Service of NSW
Peak body for the NSW social services sector. Policy, advocacy, networking, and resources for NSW NFPs and community organisations.
National Disability Services
Peak body for disability service providers in Australia. Resources, advocacy, and sector support for NDIS providers.
AICD NFP Governance Principles
The benchmark framework for board governance in the Australian NFP sector.
Australian Institute of Company Directors — NFP Hub
Resources, training, and guidance specifically for NFP directors and board members.
Common questions.
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Related reading
Good governance is not a compliance exercise. It is what makes everything else possible.
If your organisation needs governance support — whether you are just starting out or working through a complex challenge — the best place to start is a conversation.