Case Study: Governance Training

Strengthening Governance from the Inside: Tui Barber’s Experience with CGF Governance Training

Good governance is what keeps an industry association focused, accountable and valuable to its members over the long term.

For Tui Barber, that is far from an abstract idea. As Account Manager at Master Painters New Zealand, Tui also supports the Board and Chief Executive, so she sees every day how governance practices shape the way the organisation runs and delivers for its members.

Already close to the governance process, Tui wanted to go further: to deepen her understanding of best practice and learn what sets strong boards apart.

A course she could use straight away

That opportunity came through the Governance Essentials for Not-for-Profits course, delivered by the Institute of Directors and supported by the Construction Growth Foundation (CGF). CGF supports training like this to strengthen governance capability across New Zealand's construction sector associations.

Tui found the course valuable from the start.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the Governance Essentials course. The content was easy to digest and something I can reference and use in my day-to-day work."

One of the most useful takeaways was a clearer picture of how responsibilities are structured across an organisation.

"The course clearly outlined the roles and responsibilities across the different tiers of the organisation – the Board, the Chief Executive and operational staff. Having that structure to work from was really helpful."

Turning governance knowledge into practice

Since completing the training, Tui has put several practical governance tools to work in her support of board operations. Preparation and accountability are now firm habits, both ahead of meetings and when processes are changing.

"I make sure before meetings that I have completed my actions and bring all the relevant information to support discussions."

The course materials have stayed close at hand, too.

"I still use the checklist from the two-day programme as a guide for my duties within the organisation."

The training also sharpened Tui's awareness of what good governance looks like at board level, from clarifying responsibilities to assigning board portfolios. At Master Painters New Zealand, those changes are now in place.

"Roles within the board have been assigned duties and portfolios, and we have strengthened our strategic planning."

Clearer lines between governance and management

For Tui, one of the biggest benefits was a clearer understanding of where governance ends and operational management begins. She came into the course with a general sense of how the different layers of leadership should work together. The programme confirmed where responsibility and accountability should sit.

"That was a big one for me. I had basic knowledge before, but after completing the course it confirmed how much sits across the different tiers."

Confidence to champion best practice

The experience has built both Tui's confidence and her capability in supporting good governance.

"I feel this course has given me the confidence to ensure what I do in my role aligns with governance best practices."

The benefits have also reached beyond her own role, helping to strengthen systems, processes and governance understanding across the association.

"Our association has benefited by ensuring we are equipped with the information required and by implementing effective systems and processes."

Preparing the next generation of board members

Governance training also plays an important part in preparing future board members and strengthening leadership across the sector, and Tui feels strongly about this.

"I believe this should be a prerequisite for anyone considering becoming a board member so they understand the obligations and responsibilities involved."

She also credits the way the course was delivered.

"The facilitator was very approachable and had a wealth of governance knowledge that could relate to each of us."

Having seen the benefits first-hand, Tui is keen to keep building on what she has learned.

"I would love to attend a refresher or next-level governance course."

Tui's story shows that governance training strengthens more than the person in the room. When the people who support a board understand the structure, obligations and accountability behind good governance, the whole association benefits, and so do its members.

Building Capability Across the Sector

The Construction Growth Foundation (CGF), in partnership with the Institute of Directors, delivers targeted governance training designed specifically for building and construction industry associations who are members of CGF.

For CGF members contact info@cgf.org.nz to learn when our next course is running, or for non-members please click here.