This month AuSAE welcomes Linda Noble, Chief Executive, Governance New Zealand as our Member in Focus. Linda recently spoke with AuSAE about her role, changes at Governance New Zealand and advice to future leaders in the not-for-profit sector. 

How did you first become involved with Governance New Zealand?

With over 20 years’ experience in management of membership bodies across a range of industries, the role of Chief Executive with Governance New Zealand was a perfect fit with my skills and background. Initially this role was three days a week but after 12 months, the Board recognised that in order to progress the organisation, the role needed to be full time.

During your time as Chief Executive of Governance New Zealand, the organisation has seen much change. What do you personally feel has been the biggest challenge the organisation has overcome?

Governance New Zealand certainly has gone through significant change. As part of an international organisation, we needed to keep up with global trends in governance and maintain our relevance to current and future members.

In 2014, it became clear there was confusion around our brand in the market and that we needed to better express who we are and what we do. To support our strategies for growth and profitability and to gain competitive advantage in the area of governance, members gave full support to our rebrand from Chartered Secretaries to Governance New Zealand. We completely updated our website to reflect the new direction and progressive outlook.

Growth continued in 2015, as student numbers studying our professional education programme doubled, affiliate membership increased, conference attendance grew, and we acquired Women on Boards.

I heard about the innovative partnership between Women on Boards New Zealand and Governance New Zealand. Can you share how this partnership came about and the benefits it presents to Governance New Zealand members?

A key challenge for many professional membership bodies is recruiting and retaining members. As I mentioned above, in 2015 we incorporated Women on Boards members into Governance New Zealand.

This came about through our Board’s intent to promote diversity on both sides of the board table. Women on Boards aims to develop the next generation of board-ready women by providing empowerment through education and support.

This is a very exciting merger that benefits all members as we grow and expand our reach and influence in the area of governance, compliance and risk management.

What exciting projects are underway at Governance New Zealand?

We have a growing membership, which is something not all membership bodies can say! We held our second highly successful National Governance Conference last September and this is now firmly on the calendar of many governance professionals.

This year, our focus is on providing tailored, relevant and affordable CPD throughout New Zealand to senior executives, governance professionals and board members, in fact anyone working in a governance role.

What would you say to someone starting out in the not-for-profit sector with a view to become a future leader?

The Not-for-Profit sector is a delight to work in, you are surrounded by people passionate about what they do and who they are doing it for.

However to harness this passion and keep everyone focused on the strategic intent of an organisation, the importance of good governance cannot be underestimated. I recommend a future leader considers study in this area, either through Governance New Zealand or another provider of your choice.

AuSAE thanks member Linda Noble for appearing in the January Edition of AuSAE Insider. AuSAE recognises a current member every month, acknowledging their success and ongoing commitment to advancing the not-for-profit sector. If you would like to share your story with other executives, please contact Kerrie Lucas, Events and Communications Manager AuSAE at kerrie@ausae.org.au.