Agony Uncle

Our Community's thinker-in-residence, Chris Borthwick, often receives questions from board members and executive directors of community groups, asking difficult questions about the circumstances or problems they're facing. We post the questions and answers we think are most relevant to the broader community sector.

Has your organisation got a problem? A deal-making dilemma or a constitutional conundrum? Found yourself in a personality pickle or a media muddle? Email your question to chrisb@ourcommunity.com.au.

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Agony Uncle

How should we deal with an electoral stalemate?

Our chair thinks the constitution is 'the source of all wisdom', but is it?

Agony Uncle: Help! We don't have time to fill this vacancy

Agony Uncle: Where do we start with recruiting new board members?

Agony Uncle: Where to start with vaccinations

Agony Uncle: Can we insure against director breaches of our constitution?

Agony Uncle: Help me with this toxic board member

Agony Uncle: Is this director a member?

Agony Uncle: What's the difference between policies and guidelines?

Can one person run the AGM, stand for election and run the event on Zoom?

Constitutions are like airbags: you hardly ever need them, but you want them to be fit for purpose

Agony Uncle: What should I do when the board turns a blind eye to a conflict of interest?

Agony Uncle: Seeking fundraising permission for big donors

Use this script: Agony Uncle helps you get a better deal

Agony Uncle: How do I make the most of my organisation’s time in lockdown?

Agony Uncle: If I’m hosting a board meeting online, can I use a recording to stand as the minutes?

Agony Uncle: Is there any point in planning when we don’t know what the future holds?

Agony Uncle: What if it's not in the rules?

Agony Uncle: How do I give all my staff a fair deal during the coronavirus crisis?

Agony Uncle: Can we keep trading while ‘pandemic-ated’ and facing an insolvency risk?

Agony Uncle: What should I do about a conflict of interest?

Agony Uncle: What the point of signatures on membership applications?

Agony Uncle: Can my club create a board to govern the board?

Agony Uncle: What do I do about bullies?

Agony Uncle: Can one CEO wear two hats?

Agony Uncle: How to ditch a dodgy board member

Agony Uncle: Can your organisation avoid responsibility for injuries on the premises?