The Board Manual – governance in action
What you'll learn
Explore the documents, processes, and systems that drive effective leadership and long-term success in sport.
Module 1 - Corporate Structures
The organisation
- identify and understand the corporate structures that operate within sport
- identify the circumstances where an SSO/D or club should consider becoming a company limited by guarantee
- understand the options available to incorporated associations that operate in multiple states or territories
Module 2 - Constitutions
Understanding the rules
- identify what information belongs in the constitution
- understand the role of by-laws, policies and the board charter in supporting effective governance
- appreciate the importance of review and consultation with stakeholders to make change
Module 3 - Board meetings
Functioning as a board
Understand the relevant board documentation and its importance to good governance, including the board calendar, agenda, papers, and minutes
Module 4 - Induction and onboarding
Director readiness
- understand why director induction and onboarding is important
- ensure your 'Director Induction Pack' is comprehensive and appropriate
- develop induction and onboarding programs
Module 5 - Committees
Supporting the board
- understand the role committees play in supporting the board
- recognise the powers and responsibilities of committees and how this differs from the board
- appreciate the importance of committee composition
Module 6 - Conflict of interest
Managing director interests
- define and identify a conflict as actual, potential or perceived
- identify and manage common conflicts of interest in sport
- understand the importance of creating a culture of disclosure
Module 7 - Monitoring performance
Board and director evaluation
- understand the board’s role in CEO performance evaluation
- identify the key documents required to set the CEO up for success
- appreciate how evaluation of the board, chair and directors contributes to good governance
Module 8 - Succession planning
Business continuity
- understand the importance of succession planning for key positions such as the CEO and chair
- learn effective strategies for implementation
- learn about the ways your sporting community can build a talent pipeline
Module 9 - Wrap-up
Lessons learned
- connect your learnings with specific actions you can take as a director to improve governance
- understand the importance of key documents to guide best practice behaviour
- identify practical ways to raise improve governance through processes, documents, planning and monitoring
The board manual - course contributors
*Note - details and positions held by contributors are accurate at the time of course publication.
Managing Director, Conscious Governance
Steven Bowman is the Managing Director of Conscious Governance, with over 30 years’ experience as a board advisor and facilitator.
He has conducted hundreds of board reviews and strategic planning sessions for not-for-profits and corporates globally.
Steven has held senior executive, CEO, and board roles across leading organisations in Australia and the United States and has authored or co-authored more than 14 books on governance, strategy, risk, and leadership.
CEO Paddle Australia
Kim is the CEO of Paddle Australia, leading a bold transformation of the sport into a globally connected lifestyle movement.
A former Australian Hockeyroo with over 30 years in elite sport leadership predominately in National Performance Director and Executive Management roles, Kim’s career spans senior roles at the AIS, QAS, NSWIS, Hockey Australia, Surfing Australia, and Paddle Australia.
Her leadership has shaped Olympic and Paralympic campaigns, national performance systems, and major cultural change initiatives across the sport, health, education, and tourism sectors.
Kim is known for her strategic clarity, emotional intelligence, and values-led leadership. She is passionate about creating high-performing, people-first cultures. She believes sport has the power to elevate individuals, unite communities, and leave a legacy that reaches far beyond the field of play.
CEO Squash Australia
Robert Donaghue is the CEO of Squash Australia and an experienced senior executive with over 20 years across the sport, technology, and government sectors. His previous roles include Deputy CEO of the Brisbane Bullets and CEO of Water Polo Queensland.
Robert has led major organisational initiatives and brings a broad understanding of governance and executive management in both commercial and sporting environments.
Sports Lawyer, Paul Horvath Solicitors
Paul is a senior sports lawyer with over 20 years in private legal practice, specialising in sport-related matters.
Paul has advised and represented athletes, officials, and sporting organisations at all levels, including before the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Paul has worked extensively with NSOs on governance reform, disciplinary frameworks, and policy development, and is a regular presenter to boards on integrity and legal compliance.
Former CEO, Paddle Australia, Athletics Australia, Yachting Australia
Phil is a highly experienced sports executive with over 25 years leading major sporting organisations. He has served as CEO of Paddle Australia, Athletics Australia, and Yachting Australia, guiding each through significant growth, strategic renewal, and high-performance success.
Phil brings deep expertise in governance, strategic planning, commercial partnerships, event operations, and high-performance sport.
Partner, Lander & Rogers
Amelia is a Partner at Lander & Rogers, leading the firm’s national Sport & Leisure team.
With over 20 years' legal experience, she specialises in governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Amelia advises boards and senior leaders across the sector and has supported numerous sporting organisations in aligning their governance frameworks with legal and operational best practice.
Director, Paddle Australia; People and Management Strategist
Sue is an experienced board director, currently serving on the board of Paddle Australia.
Sue is a senior organisational strategist with over 20 years’ experience in executive consulting and leadership development. She has worked with executive teams across a range of industries, focusing on organisational transformation, workforce strategy, and performance optimisation.
Former Chair, Sailing Australia
Alistair Murray is the former Chair of Sailing Australia and a respected leader in the marine and sailing industry. He is the current Chair of Ronstan, where he has spent over 40 years building the business into a global leader in sailing hardware and accessories.
Alistair has contributed extensively to the sector through roles on the committees and boards of organisations including Sail Melbourne, Sail America, the Volvo Ocean Race Stopover, the Boating Industry Association of Victoria, the Bayside Business Network and AIMEX.
CEO, Sports Integrity & Governance Partners (SIGPA)
Iain is a recognised Australian sports integrity and governance expert and experienced lawyer with over 25 years’ experience.
The founding Head of Integrity at Cricket Australia who personally investigated “Sandpapergate” in South Africa, Iain continues to contribute to the sector through his leadership, strategic insight and commitment to ethical sport.
He is a co-founder and the Chief Executive Officer of Sports Integrity & Governance Partners (SIGPA) leading a collective of experts in advising sporting organisations and government agencies on sports integrity, governance and risk management projects.
Chair, Paddle Australia
Andrew Trim is Chair of Paddle Australia and Managing Director of The Johnson Real Estate Group.
A dual Olympic medalist in kayaking, he transitioned into business leadership following the 2000 Olympics. Today, he oversees a group of real estate offices across Queensland and brings over 30 years of combined experience in elite sport and executive leadership to the sector.