Overview
Diploma of Governance
Don't just do good. Be good at it.
Study at your own pace, guided by not-for-profit governance experts.
The Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) is offering a Diploma of Governance designed for the board members of Australian not-for-profit boards and committees, and the CEOs and other senior staff who work alongside them.
ICDA is an enterprise of Our Community, which has been delivering high-quality, practical governance training and support for the Australian not-for-profit sector for more than two decades.
The training materials and assessments for this qualification have been developed by the Institute of Community Directors Australia, which also completes all training and assessments. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be issued with a certificate of completion from ICDA.
Both prospective and current members of boards are eligible for enrolment. Deep knowledge of a not-for-profit organisation is highly desirable.
10 reasons you'll love this course
1. Because it’s flexible.
You can complete this course entirely online, gaining a qualification in your own space and at your own pace (within 12 months).
You’ll learn through a combination of individual work and scheduled meetings with your trainer and other course members, benefiting along the way from foundational videos, interactive webinars and online discussion boards.
2. Because it’s good for your career.
Formal qualifications like the Diploma of Governance can advance your career opportunities as well as your community contributions.
3. Because not-for-profit directors are different.
Governing a not-for-profit is different from running a company. This course has been designed from the ground up to be solely relevant for the not-for-profit sector.
4. Because it’s applicable to your needs.
This course works for people seeking a board position, brand new board members, experienced board members, and senior staff who work with boards.
5. Because it will link you in with peer support.
You will join a growing alumni of not-for-profit governance specialists, giving you access to deep connections and a vibrant network of believers and doers.
6. Because it’s respected.
This is the only governance qualification specifically designed for the not-for-profit sector. Your new post-nominals (Dip.Gov.; FICDA) will highlight your credentials as a member of this expert network.
7. Because it’s practical.
Course content is drawn from the experience and wisdom of the Institute of Community Directors Australia and Our Community, which have trained more than 140,000 not-for-profit volunteers and professionals.
8. Because being a community director is not a hobby.
Board work (especially not-for-profit board work) is becoming increasingly complex. You need to know what your legislative and compliance requirements are.
9. Because it opens new pathways.
Our Diploma can help you gain entry into higher-level qualifications at university. In addition, when you enrol, you are awarded membership of the Institute of Community Directors Australia and, by extension, you’re considered a ‘responsible person’ in the eyes of the ATO, clearing a hurdle to certain board appointments which require this status.
10. Because we know you’re going to love it.
We have received rave reviews about our Diploma. We’ve been told by CEOs and board members who have completed the course that it’s relevant to the unique needs of leaders in the not-for-profit sector, that it’s practical, and that the lessons are instantly applicable.
What people say...
“The Diploma was terrific - it gave me a complete overarching framework; it matched what I was learning on the job and filled in gaps, such as understanding the importance of culture; it gave very useful templates and examples which I’ve taken out and used since. The course made me think and it improved my practice. I’m so pleased that I had the opportunity to do it and would strongly recommend it to others!”
“The Diploma brought together participants from a variety of careers and experience, making the classroom discussions highly personal. The course materials were very comprehensive and expertly used by our facilitator. The assessment tasks provided me with the opportunity to reflect on my experiences as a director and as an executive who has worked in both Not-for-Profit and corporate roles.”
“The Diploma has helped me mesh the legislated, strategic and operational functions of governance. I found the face-to-face teaching was perfectly supported by the course work, delivering immediate outcomes in both my professional and community endeavours.”
“The Diploma helped to make governance work for me - and hence helps to make it real and practical for the community I work with. The opportunity to share and work with others in similar situations and to learn with the excellent trainers is one not to be missed!”
“I believe educators working in senior management roles would benefit greatly from this very practical and well taught Diploma.”
“The number one thing I’ve gained out of the Diploma has been a much better understanding of the legislative and compliance requirements of the board. I’m confident now that I understand the various parts of good governance and compliance, and what I need to do to ensure we meet our requirements in those areas.”
“I undertook the Diploma to strengthen our organisation’s impact, increase transparency and to help build a best practice model we can share with the not-for-profit sector. Studying for the diploma was an excellent way to cement my current knowledge and practice and identify skills gaps.”