ACOM / Study / Units / P8107C Non-Profit Governance

P8107C Non-Profit Governance

This unit will enable the student to understand and apply the foundational legal principles of good governance to effectively lead a religious non-profit organisation in Australia.
Unit Overview

Qualification

Graduate

Unit Availability

Trimester 1 2025

Study Mode

No Facilitation, Online Facilitation

Placement

30 hours of vocational placement

Prerequisite

N/A

Corequisite

N/A

Notes

N/A

Schedule
Availability Facilitation Type Time Dates Facilitator
Trimester 1 2025 Online Facilitation 7pm – 9pm
(AEDT/AEST)
Monday 17 February
Monday 24 February
Monday 3 March
Monday 17 March
Monday 24 March
Monday 31 March
Monday 7 April
Monday 14 April
Monday 28 April
Cathy Kleemann

Sarah Whitehead

Unit Details

This unit will enable the student to understand and apply the foundational legal principles of good governance to effectively lead a religious non-profit organisation in Australia.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Explain the requirements of the Australian legal system in terms of their impact on the governance of religious non-profit organisations in Australia.
  2. Articulate the ethical and legal responsibilities of leading or managing a religious non-profit in Australia (eg a local church, denomination, hospital, welfare agency, advocacy group, school etc).
  3. Analyse and synthesise information pertaining to specific governance issues that may be found in an ecclesial, missional, or social welfare setting.
  4. Evaluate the quality of governance practices in relation to religious non-profit organisations in Australia.
  5. Develop risk mitigation strategies in a religious non-profit organisation.
  1. The Australian Legal System
  2. Compliance with Legal Obligations
  3. Structures for Governance
  4. Principles of Good Governance and Director’s Duties
  5. Strategic Governance and Culture
  6. Financial Management and Conflicts of Interest
  7. Risk Minimisation and Fundraising
  8. The Basics of Contracts
  9. Recruiting, Employment and Volunteers
  10. New Challenges for Not-For-Profit Boards
  1. Reflection (10%)
    Word Limit: 600
    Due: Week 2
  2. Analysis (30%)
    Word Limit: 1800
    Due: Week 6
  3. Online Quiz (20%)
    Word Limit: 1200
    Due: Week 8
  4. Work Project (40%)
    Word Limit: 2400
    Due: Week 12
  • Fishel, David. The Book of the Board: Effective Governance for Non-Profit Organisations. 3rd ed. Sydney: The Federation Press, 2014.
  • Hardy, Keiran. Law in Australian Society: An Introduction to Principles and Process. Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 2019.

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My studies at ACOM equipped me to be job-ready by providing the ability to complete my student ministry placement in local churches, allowing me to apply what I was learning directly to real-world situations. The practical elements of the coursework gave me the hands-on experience and confidence needed to step into ministry roles, fully prepared to make a meaningful impact.
Lachie Ashworth – Bachelor of Ministry

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Lachie Ashworth – Bachelor of Ministry

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