Why is the basic knowledge of governance of your Men’s Shed important?

Most members of Men’s (Community) Sheds join to pursue their hobbies and to mix and meet with others in a friendly environment. Few would join intending to become involved in the governance of their shed.

However, the success of any community organisation relies on the volunteer members who take leadership roles both in the operation’s operations and/or in the governance of the organisation. The leaders in your shed are responsible for the safety and welfare of the members as well as the safety and welfare of the organisation’s property and finances.

Most sheds are “Incorporated Associations” which means the leaders of your shed are responsible for making sure the “legal entity” [or Association] is looked after and protected too. The duties of the leaders are detailed in the Association’s Constitution and Rules that were approved by the membership.

The key responsibility of the leaders of the Association is to ensure that the Association remains loyal to its purposes as laid down in its approved constitution.

There are three key leadership roles as follows:

• President who is elected at the Annual General Meeting annually (must be filled within 3 months of a resignation)

• Secretary who is elected at the Annual General Meeting annually or appointed by the Committee (must be filled at all times or within one month of a resignation)

• Treasurer who is elected annually at the Annual General Meeting (must be filled within 3 months of a resignation)

Depending on the clauses in your Men’s Shed’s Constitution or Rules, at least two other members of the Association are elected to the Committee.

The Committee must meet at least once every 3 months. Comprehensive minutes of the meetings of the Committee including financial reports must be retained for up to seven years.

Between meetings, the Committee may delegate any member of the Association to undertake nominated activities on behalf of the Committee. Such delegated duties remain accountable to the Committee.

Because the Committee is responsible for all of the operations of the Association, it is important that the Committee enforce safety procedures and maintain appropriate insurance for its volunteers, visitors, and assets.

Author: Dr Ted Flack, Doctor of Philosophy, Nonprofit Studies