Community organisations across the Eastern Bay will have a unique opportunity to strengthen their governance capability at the upcoming Getting Your Board On Board workshop.

The workshop on Saturday, May 16 in Whakatāne is organised by the Eastern Bay of Plenty Community Network and facilitated by Exult, widely recognised for its expertise within the charitable and community sector.

Governance capability building has been identified as a key focus area for community and non-profit organisations in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

By hosting this workshop iin Whakatāne, the Eastern Bay of Plenty Community Network is ensuring organisations can access high-quality governance training without the additional costs and time barriers of travelling outside the region.

Unlike traditional governance training – which is typically delivered exclusively to a single organisation – this workshop brings multiple charities, incorporated societies, clubs, and community organisations together in one collaborative learning environment.

Each governing group will have its own table, creating space for internal discussion while also enabling shared learning, relationship-building, and cross-sector connection.

To ensure every organisation receives sufficient time and interaction with the facilitator, the workshop is limited to six to eight organisations.

This small-group format allows for meaningful discussion, personalised guidance, and deeper exploration of governance challenges within each governing group.

Agreeing to serve on a board or committee is a significant responsibility.

For organisations to operate at their full potential, they require strong governing groups that clearly understand their roles, responsibilities, and the distinction between governance and operational leadership.

The full-day session (9.30am to 4pm) is designed for both new and experienced trustees and committee members.

It covers topics such as roles and responsibilities of governing group members, best practice governance models, strategic versus operational planning, succession planning and leadership continuity and strengthening connection to vision, mission, and values

Importantly, the workshop is structured to ensure that both governing group members and operational leaders (GM/CEO or day-to-day managers) attend together, fostering shared understanding and alignment.

While organisations learn alongside others, the format ensures that no group is required to share sensitive information.

The model encourages discussion within each board while also enabling valuable idea-sharing between organisations – something rarely achieved in traditional single-organisation workshops.

By bringing multiple governing groups into one space, the workshop builds not only stronger boards, but also stronger sector relationships across the Eastern Bay.

The workshop is open to charities, incorporated societies, clubs, and other community organisations located and serving the Eastern Bay community. Organisations can access a significant subsidy supported by Bay Trust, once eligibility is confirmed under Exult’s funding criteria.

The deadline to register is May 13, unless the limited available spaces are full.

To register, contact Eastern Bay of Plenty Community Network at [email protected]