Skills and Governance Workshop
Last week, the East Coast Primary Producers Association (ECPPA) committee gathered at the stunning Mayfield Estate for a valuable workshop on skills and governance. Facilitated by Michelle Swallow from Leadership and Change Consultants, the session gave us an important opportunity to refine our governance approach and strengthen the growing professionalism of our organisation.
ECPPA committee attending a Skills and Governance Workshop with Michelle Swallow.
We began by reviewing our five-year strategy, which was developed last year with the assistance of Sally Murfitt from Inspire Ag and some of our dedicated committee members. This strategy will soon be available on our website, outlining a clear direction for ECPPA. During the workshop, we discussed how this long-term plan can guide our key performance indicators (KPIs) and short-term targets, ensuring we remain both strategic and adaptable in our operations.
A significant part of the workshop focused on identifying and addressing key risks to our organisation. We explored important areas such as cyber risk and funding risk, which are crucial to maintaining our sustainability and securing our future. Michelle highlighted the importance of understanding that committee members' duties are equivalent to those of any board member. We reviewed the legal framework that governs committee responsibilities, including the Corporations Act 2001, ACNC guidelines, and not-for-profit standards.
It was fantastic working with Michelle, who really met us where we were and facilitated open, productive discussions. Everyone involved came away with a deeper understanding of their roles and how they can contribute more effectively to the organisation.
This workshop was funded by The Tas Farm Innovation Hub, through the Federal Drought Fund. The purpose of this funding is not only to strengthen our organisation but to upskill members in the community, ensuring the future sustainability of groups like ours. The existence of such groups is critical in building resilience to drought and climate change, through the adoption of innovative farming techniques and by enabling peer-to-peer learning. Initiatives like this ensure we are better equipped to face the challenges of the future.
We also examined the legal requirements of committee governance, looking at the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) principles of good governance. This included discussions about developing our terms of reference and board charters, which are essential for building a strong governance framework as we move forward.
In the meeting that followed, the committee made excellent progress towards setting clear goals to improve governance, leading to better outcomes for our members and stakeholders.
Keep an eye out as we continue to grow and enhance our professionalism, especially in the way we engage with our members and the wider community. Our strategic plan will soon be available on our website, offering a concise and accessible overview of our goals and future direction. Stay tuned!
