Governance and Voluntary Organisations

In the latter half of the twentieth century, the community sector gained government recognition as a partner in the formation of social policy.  Community, voluntary and charitable organisations through representative bodies’ have a collective voice to advocate for social change and contribute to decision-making in relation to the distribution of resources.   At an organisational level, good governance involves leadership, transparency, inclusion and participation to promote equality and sustainability.  This module encourages the learner to critically engage with the terms government and governance.  It then proceeds to examine the meaning of good governance to gain knowledge regarding the ethics, principles and processes involved.  This informs a deliberation of the benefits and potential limitations associated with governance.   The learner drawing on the module content will be guided to reflect upon personal practice in relation to the promotion of good governance.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the difference between government and governance.

2. Deliberate the importance of democratic governance in sustaining a community or voluntary organisation in relation to regulation, practice and funding.

3. Critically examine personal practice in relation to good governance

4. Present knowledge of contemporary governance networks