Top Training for Board Members in Australia
$495.00 inc GST
Board Boot Camp
- 3 online sessions (6hr total)
- The perfect course for new board members
- 3 intakes per year
$990.00 inc GST
Certified Community Director
- Seven-unit micro-credential for community board members
- Fully self-paced and online
- Complete all seven units to become a Certified Community Director
$4,999.00 inc GST
Diploma of Governance
- Scholarships available
- Our flagship training program
- Designed specifically for the board members of Australian not-for-profit boards
Community Directors Training Calendar
Rather start with something smaller? We run short-courses, 1-hour webinars and 3-hour workshops. You can find them on the Community Directors training calendar.
Why Training Matters for Board Members
Being on a board carries real responsibility. Board members are legally and ethically accountable for the organisation’s decisions, finances and direction - whether they are paid or volunteering.
Training helps board members understand their role, ask better questions and make sound decisions. It builds confidence, strengthens governance and supports a healthy board culture.
For community and not-for-profit organisations, training is especially important. The regulatory environment is complex, resources are often limited, and the consequences of poor governance can be serious. Well-trained boards are better placed to serve their communities and keep their organisations sustainable.
Types of board training you can choose
Board training is available in many formats and at different levels, from short introductions to formal qualifications.
Options include:
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Introductory governance training for new board members
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Refresher courses for experienced directors
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Finance and risk training for treasurers and committee members
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Chair and leadership programs
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Short workshops and webinars on specific governance issues
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Accredited courses and qualifications
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In-house training tailored to a particular board or organisation
Training may be delivered online, face to face, or in blended formats, making it accessible regardless of location or time constraints.
You can find a full list of training options by clicking here.
Top courses and workshops for board members
There is a wide range of board training available with the Institute of Community Directors Australia, particularly for not-for-profit and community organisations.
Common options include:
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Governance fundamentals covering roles, responsibilities and duties
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Finance training focused on budgets, financial reports and oversight
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Risk and compliance courses addressing legal and regulatory obligations
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Chair training for people leading boards or committees
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Sector-specific training for charities, incorporated associations and community organisations
Good board training is practical and relevant. It connects governance theory to real situations boards face every day.
How to choose the right board training
The right training depends on your experience, your role and the needs of your organisation.
When choosing board training, consider:
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Whether you are new to governance or already experienced
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Your role on the board, such as chair, secretary, treasurer or general member
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The sector your organisation operates in
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How the training is delivered and how much time it requires
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Whether the content is practical and applicable to your board
Many boards benefit from training together, so everyone has a shared understanding of their responsibilities and how the board works.
Is there specific training for my role?
Yes. There are role-specific training options designed to build the skills you need to succeed in your board position. Whether you’re a treasurer, secretary or chair, the Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) provides tailored courses and resources that match the responsibilities of your role while helping you meet good governance standards.
For Board Treasurers
If you’re responsible for financial oversight, reporting and accountability, there’s targeted training to support you. ICDA offers a Community Sector Treasurers course that covers compliance, strategic financial management, reporting and the practical skills you’ll use in your role. It’s delivered online and available Australia-wide, making it accessible no matter where your organisation is based.
Find more support via I’m a Board Treasurer looking for help: https://www.communitydirectors.com.au/tools-resources/im-a-board-treasurer-looking-for-help
For Board Secretaries
Board secretaries play a pivotal role in governance, compliance, meetings and record-keeping. There’s specialist training that focuses on these core tasks — including meeting management, reporting and organisational procedures. These courses help you build confidence and practical capability in your governance support role.
Explore resources for your role at I’m a Board Secretary looking for help:
https://www.communitydirectors.com.au/tools-resources/im-a-board-secretary-looking-for-help
For Board Chairs
Board chairs lead meetings, guide strategic direction and shape board culture. ICDA offers chair-focused sessions, including leadership programs and practical governance training tailored to the responsibilities of chairing a board. These help you strengthen your leadership, meeting management and strategic governance skills.
See tailored support at I’m a Board Chair looking for help:
https://www.communitydirectors.com.au/tools-resources/im-a-board-chair-looking-for-help
FAQs: board training in Australia
Is board training mandatory?
Board training is not compulsory, but directors are expected to understand their legal duties and act with care and diligence. Training helps meet these expectations.
Do volunteer board members need training?
Yes. Volunteer board members have the same responsibilities as paid directors. Training supports them to fulfil their role properly.
What training is best for new board members?
Introductory governance training is a good starting point. It should cover duties, decision-making and basic financial oversight.
How often should board members do training?
Board members should undertake training regularly, particularly when laws change or new risks emerge.
Is online board training effective?
Online training can be very effective, especially when it is well designed and focused on practical governance issues.
What people say...
“After rapidly changing from small to large charity, our Board wanted tailored training to better understand their Governance responsibilities. We began with an in-house session on Boards, Governance and Leadership by Annabel Rattigan, which was highly engaging and very valuable. This led to a follow-up session on Financial Literacy skills with Nina Laitala. Both presenters ensured the training met our specific needs. We would highly recommend Community Directors in house training for its relevance and quality!”
“Community Directors did a wonderful job of presenting at our community of practice session. In a lively workshop the presenter gave our clients who are community-based organisations, a host of new ideas and strategies to assist them to achieve better funding outcomes. The team helped us tailor the session to our specific requirements, and they were responsive and communicated quickly and clearly whenever we had questions. We would definitely use Community Directors again for future sessions on funding and grants.”
“Really well structured, with movement between whole-group and small-group discussions—easy to interact and learn from others.”
“Undertaking the Diploma of Governance has been a practical and eye-opening experience. One of the most surprising things I learnt was how much hinges on clear roles and responsibilities within a board. While I assumed good intentions and experience were enough, I now understand how essential proper structure, accountability, and legal frameworks are to good governance. Throughout the course, I was able to apply what I learned by assessing our board’s performance against good governance benchmarks. This led to concrete recommendations around board induction, performance reviews, and clearer delegation policies. These changes are helping to create a more efficient and strategic board, rather than one bogged down in operational detail.”
“It was wonderful connecting with participants in the breakout rooms across the five sessions and gaining so many valuable insights and practical ideas on becoming a more effective chair!”
“This was one of the best webinars I’ve ever been to! Kate covered so much quality content in one hour – it was seriously impressive.”
“Great host, clear communication and relevant case studies. Managed the hour really well.”
“The Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association of New South Wales did six hours training with the Institute of Community Directors to work through and achieve the bones of a strategic plan for the organisation. The training was very much suited to our volunteer capacity and need.”
“Community Directors has been a vital partner, delivering exceptional training to Greater Shepparton City Council. Their team’s expertise is evident, and their commitment to our needs is remarkable. Tailored solutions and consistently high-quality support have made a real difference. We’ve seen tangible improvements to our targeted audiences. For reliable and effective training, I wholeheartedly recommend Community Directors. They understand our unique requirements and deliver results.”