Deciding your Governance structure
Deciding your Governance structure
29 September 2025
You need to decide if your club will be governed by a board or a committee.
- BOARD: A board structure may be best for larger, more financially complex organisations. It separates the roles of governance (oversight and strategic direction) and management (day-to-day operations).
- BOARD CHAIR: Provides leadership; ensures goals are prioritised and met.
- BOARD MEMBERS: Elected by member vote. *Diversity and inclusion are important factors.
Qualities of a good leader
- COMMITTEE: The committee model may be suitable for smaller clubs. It's a hands-on, operational structure where elected members are responsible for both governance and day-to-day management. A committee is made up of elected members, usually volunteers, who run the club on behalf of the membership.
- CEO/GENERAL MANAGER: Manages operational tasks; appoints other staff.
Other roles
- SECRETARY: Admin and communications lead
- TREASURER: Responsible for financial matters and reporting
- OTHER ROLES: For example, Health & Safety Officer, Fundraising Lead, Volunteer Manager, Child Protection Officer, Marketing Manager.
It is the people that make your club – many or most of whom will be volunteers. Your governance structure needs to support the culture and values of your club, fostering belonging and cohesion.
Job description templates: Committees, roles and meetings
LINK TO RUNNING YOUR CLUB/VOLUNTEERS PAGES
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