News & Events

Target Audience

Anyone looking to learn about good practice in carrying out the Role of Treasurer in a non-profit organisation.

Outline

Appointing a board member to the role of Treasurer is important for a non-profit board. Typically, most board and committee members do not come from financial backgrounds. It is therefore helpful to have at least one member of a Board who understands, and is capable of, communicating to board members the implications of financial decisions taken in the organisation.

Please note that in this course, we will use the term Board to cover non-profit boards and management committees alike. We will use the term ‘organisation’ to cover all types of non-profit entities including companies limited by guarantee, voluntary groups, co-operatives and unincorporated associations.

This course can be accessed for up to 60 days after purchase.

Course Structure

The course is divided into 7 component parts and takes approx. 1.5 hours to 2 hours to complete. Participants should allow for additional time to review the templates which accompanies the course. Topics are self-contained to facilitate micro-learning for the time conscious participant.

1. The Role of Treasurer in Context

In this lesson, we learn about the duties attaching to the role of Treasurer and the collective responsibilities of a non-profit board.

2. Monitoring Income and Expenditure

In this lesson, we consider the important role the Treasurer plays in helping a non-profit Board to effectively monitor income and expenditure in an organisation.

3. Communicating with Non-Financial Board Members

In this lesson, we consider how financial information can be more practically conveyed to board members at meetings using financial dashboards.

4. Managing Financial Risk

In this lesson, we consider the actions a board needs to take to manage financial risk and the practical support a Finance Sub-committee can provide to a board.

5. Planning Budgets and Cash Flow

In this lesson, we take a practical look at the work involved in developing budgets and cash flow projections to help guide performance expectations in an organisation.

6. Crafting Financial Policy and Procedures

In this lesson, we consider the type of financial procedures that may be required to help Boards and managers exert adequate financial control in their organisations.

7. Working with Stakeholders

In this lesson, we consider the range of stakeholders that an organisation supports and works with and the implications for the Treasurer.

Upon successfully completing the course, participants may download free of charge a course Certificate of Completion.

Note: Once an e-Learning course is booked, it could take up to 48 hours for login details to be provided.

NOTE: When booking, please make sure to input all the correct contact details onto the booking form as the information will be used to create learner profiles. Should information be entered incorrectly it could delay the booking process.

Target Audience

Anyone looking to learn about good practice in the important function of taking accurate meeting minutes.

Outline

Accurate minute taking is an essential part of good meeting practice. The keeping of accurate meeting minutes is also an essential requirement for non-profit companies.

This course can be accessed for up to 30 days after purchase.

Course Structure

The course is divided into 5 component parts and takes approx. 30 minutes to review. Participants should allow for additional time to review the minutes template which accompanies the course. Topics are self-contained to facilitate micro-learning for the time conscious participant.

1. Taking Meeting Minutes

In this lesson, we review the role of minute taker and the different types of minutes that may be taken at meetings.

2. How to Take Meeting Minutes

In this lesson, the focus is on discursive minutes and how such minutes may be recorded.

3. Listening Skills

Good listening skills are essential for individuals taking notes during meetings. In this lesson, we learn more about active listening and methods for improving listening skills.

4. Note Taking During Meetings

In this lesson, we consider how best to prepare for the role of minute taker at a meeting.

5. How to Help Luke?

In this lesson, we apply what we have learned in previous lessons to a relevant hypothetical situation.

Upon successfully completing the course, participants may download free of charge a course Certificate of Completion.

Note: Once an e-Learning course is booked, it could take up to 48 hours for login details to be provided.

NOTE: When booking, please make sure to input all the correct contact details onto the booking form as the information will be used to create learner profiles. Should information be entered incorrectly it could delay the booking process.

elearning course

This is a test course

Target Audience

Chairpersons of non-profit organisations or anyone thinking of becoming a Chairperson.

Outline

The role of board Chairperson is an honorary role. There is no legal requirement under the Charities Act or the Companies Act for a board or committee to appoint a board Chairperson. However, Boards should be mindful of obligations contained in their organisation’s constitution and obligations under any other legislation or regulation their organisation may be subject to.  Appointing a board Chairperson makes good, practical sense if the work of a non-profit board is to be progressed satisfactorily. Upon appointment, a Chairperson takes on particular duties and responsibilities appropriate to the role. In this course, we review the role of board Chairperson.

This course can be accessed for up to 30 days after purchase.

Course Structure

The course is divided into 8 component parts and takes approx. 1 hour to review. Participants should allow for additional time to review the templates and Board Handbook which accompany the course. Topics are self-contained to facilitate micro-learning for the time conscious participant.

1. Introduction

People can be reluctant to take on the role of Chairperson, as it is often perceived to carry with it a significant workload. This should not be the case however, if a fair distribution of work is agreed by all committee or board members!

2. The Responsibilities of a Board

This lesson outlines the core functions of the board of directors and the principles of good governance.

3.  The Role of a Chairperson

The duties associated with the Chairperson’s role are outlined in this lesson.

4. Leading the Board

A leader leads from the front, but not so far in front that followers lose sight of him or her! So it is with a board chairperson. The Chair must help ensure that the board complies with governance best practice, adheres to its legal responsibilities and fairly represents the interests of members. Leading the board means helping board members to govern effectively.

5. Setting the Agenda

Agendas help Chairpersons to structure the flow of board meetings and provide opportunities for the Chairperson to bring people back on topic. Agendas help to make visible the topics that require board decisions and discussions.

6. Chairing Board Meetings

The nature and communication styles of the personalities sitting around a board table, can certainly affect a meeting. But remember that there are tools and techniques that a Chairperson can use to help facilitate a board meeting more effectively. This lesson explores this topic further.

7. Working with Senior Staff

The relationship between a non-profit’s most senior manager and its board is critical. One board member is typically delegated the responsibility for line managing the most senior staff member e.g. CEO or Project Co-ordinator. The Chairperson of a board is usually delegated such a responsibility.

8. Succession Planning

Each board needs to rejuvenate and stay energised, if it is to provide effective leadership on an ongoing basis. Therefore, the chairperson (working with board members and senior staff) should actively seek nominations and expressions of interest from potential board members.

Upon successfully completing the course, participants may download free of charge a course Certificate of Completion.

Note: Once an e-Learning course is booked, it could take up to 48 hours for login details to be provided.

NOTE: When booking, please make sure to input all the correct contact details onto the booking form as the information will be used to create learner profiles. Should information be entered incorrectly it could delay the booking process.

Target Audience

Are you a Board member / Senior Executive Officer of a voluntary or community group? Do you need to develop or enhance your understanding of Risk Management?

Outline

This course can be accessed for up to 90 days after purchase.

To enable learners develop a comprehensive understanding of Risk Management within an organisation and the tools which can be employed to minimise risk.

Understand Risk

  • Identify and discuss examples of risk in an organisation (good risk / bad risk)

Understand Risk Categories

  • Governance
  • Strategic
  • Compliance (Legal or Regulatory)
  • Operational
  • Financial
  • Environmental or External

Understand Risk Management and Know Why It Is Important

  • Identify and understand relevant risks
  • Evaluate risks / Prioritise risks
  • Monitor risks and report on their management
  • May be a legal/regulatory/compliance requirement
  • Reduce possibility of failing to realise objectives
  • Reduce possibility of reputational damage
  • Better decision making
  • Recognise opportunities to benefit from risk

Understand What Makes A Good Risk Management System

  • Risk Management Policy
  • Risk Management Officer
  • Risk Management Process
  • Risk Register
  • Systems and Controls
  • Monitor and Report

 

Target Audience

This eLearning course is ideally suited to anyone holding the position of board director of a Company Limited by Guarantee, or by people filling the role of Company Secretary. It is also a valuable learning resource for staff members who support board governance.

Outline

This short interactive eLearning course explores the implications of The Companies Act 2014 for Companies Limited by Guarantee (CLG). The practical and easy-to-follow structure of the course is designed to get directors and company secretaries quickly up to speed with what they need to know to comply with the Act.

It is worth noting that all directors appointed to boards post June 1st, 2015 should be aware of their legal duties and undertake to comply with requirements set out in The Companies Act 2014.

This course can be accessed for up to 45 days after purchase.

Topics covered during the course include:

  • Role of Company Members
  • Legal Duties of Company Directors
  • Company Directors – key requirements
  • Role of Company Secretaries
  • Legal duties of Company Secretaries
  • Typical administrative duties of Company Secretaries
  • Annual Return Dates
  • Implications of The Companies Act 2014 for future registrations
  • Implications of the Act for existing companies
  • Declaration of Understanding

Each person taking this eLearning course can access and download a PDF copy of the BoardPASS Board Governance Handbook for Irish Non-Profits. A great resource for any board or committee member!

The course is run in collaboration with CramdenTECH, a governance systems and eLearning company providing skills based, micro-learning responsive content for Irish and UK markets.

 

Target Audience

Anyone wanting a good understanding of the knowledge and skills required to fulfill both the legal duties associated with the role and the administrative duties assigned to the role by the Board.

Outline

Every company limited by guarantee must appoint a Company Secretary. In a company limited by guarantee (the legal structure of choice for most non-profits in Ireland) this role is frequently filled by a board director or staff member. It is the responsibility of a board of directors to ensure that the person acting as its Company Secretary, has the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfil both the legal duties associated with the role and the administrative duties assigned to the role by the Board.

This course can be accessed for up to 60 days after purchase.

Course Structure

The e-learning course is divided into 10 component parts and takes approximately 1.5 hours to review. Practical templates are provided with course topics. Participants should allow for additional time to fully complete the practical work associated with the lessons in the course. Topics are self-contained to facilitate micro-learning for the time conscious participant.

1. Introduction: Company Law in Context

The Companies Act 2014 commenced on June 1st, 2015. In this introductory lesson, we will look at the implications of the Act for existing Companies Limited by Guarantee (CLG) and for those organisations who may wish to register as companies in the future.

2. Company Responsibilities

To identify the key legal responsibilities of a Company Limited by Guarantee.

3. Core Functions of a Board of Directors

To identify the core functions of the Board of Directors and the overarching principles of good corporate governance.

4. Fiduciary Duties of Company Directors

To identify the eight fiduciary duties of Company Directors as set out in Section 228 of The Companies Act 2014.

5. Shadow and De Facto Directors

It is helpful for a company secretary to understand what the terms shadow and de facto director mean. This lesson explains the concept of both.

6. Appointing a Company Secretary

In a CLG, directors must ensure that the Company Secretary has the skills necessary to carry out their role. This means that the appointment of the company secretary must be discussed at board level and the decision to appoint the company secretary recorded in board meeting minutes.

7. Legal Duties of a Company Secretary

This lesson identifies the legal duties of a Company Secretary.

8. Administrative Duties of a Company Secretary

In addition to the legal duties attaching to the role, a board of directors may also assign administrative duties to the company secretary.

9. The Company Constitution

In supporting the Board of Directors, a company secretary must be mindful of the company’s legal requirements to adhere to the the Companies Act 2014 and their reporting obligations to the Companies Registration Office (CRO).

10. Company Secretary: Key Skills

Aside from having very good organisational skills, interpersonal skills and communication skills, there are two practical skills that a board secretary should possess, i.e. the ability to set a meeting agenda in co-operation with the board Chairperson and the ability to take the minutes of board meetings. In this lesson, we look at this skills in more depth.

Upon successfully completing the course, participants may download free of charge a course Certificate of Completion.

 

Note: Once an e-Learning course is booked, it could take up to 48 hours for login details to be provided.

NOTE: When booking, please make sure to input all the correct contact details onto the booking form as the information will be used to create learner profiles. Should information be entered incorrectly it could delay the booking process.

Target Audience

This Level 2 course is aimed at departmental line managers, Heads of Function, company directors and those responsible for ensuring organisational compliance with the GDPR.

The other GDPR Level 1 e-learning is aimed at staff, supervisors and line managers working in data handling related positions with no experience of GDPR. The GDPR Level 2 e-learning is not a continuation of Level 1 and the GDPR modules do not need to be completed in succession.

Outline

The data protection regulation commonly referred to as the ‘GDPR’, will come into force throughout the EU and EEA on May 25th, 2018. This regulation is highly significant for any organisation who handles or monitors the personal data of individuals within the EU and EEA.

The regulation aims to:

  • Safeguard the personal data privacy rights of individuals.
  • Heighten accountability for how personal data is acquired and handled.

The GDPR applies to organisations (and sole traders) who:

  • collect, share and use the personal data of EU/EEA residents;
  • or, who offer goods and services to, or monitors EU/EEA residents.

The GDPR applies, irrespective of the country where the organisation is established. Thus, the GDPR has expanded the territorial scope of EU data protection law.

This course can be accessed for up to 60 days after purchase.

Course Structure

The course is divided into 15 component parts and takes approximately two hours to complete. Practical templates are provided with course topics. Participants should allow for additional time to fully complete the practical work associated with the lessons in the course. Topics are self-contained to facilitate micro-learning for the time conscious participant.

1. Introduction to the GDPR

This introductory lesson will help you to familiarise yourself with what the General Data Protection Regulation is and who the Regulation applies to. It also provides you with an opportunity to learn about the Data Protection Principles that organisations must adhere if they are to comply with the GDPR when processing personal data.

2. Key Data Protection Terminology

Defining what we mean by the terms ‘Data Subject, ‘Data Controller’, ‘Data Processor’, ‘Data Processing’ and ‘Supervisory Authority’.

3. Strengthening the Rights of Individuals

This lesson provides you with an overview of the privacy rights of individuals and the compliance implications of the GDPR.

4. The Principle of Accountability

The Accountability Principle is highly significant, as it compels organisations to demonstrate how they are complying with the data protection principles contained in the GDPR. How organisations demonstrate or evidence compliance will reflect the nature of their activities and organisation size. But irrespective of how large an organisation is, accountability for and transparency in the processing of personal data is a must!

5. Complying with the GDPR

Building on what we learned about the rights of individuals in Lesson 3, in this lesson we look at some of the practical ways in which the GDPR may impact on staff (or charity volunteers) in their day-to-day work. It also provides participants with a quick summary of the actions that should be taken in advance of May 2018 to ensure GDPR compliance.

6. Keeping Data Secure – Personal Top Tips

In this lesson we take a quick look at some of the things we can each do, to help keep personal data secure in our organisations.

7. Preparing a Compliance Strategy

A clear but focused compliance strategy articulated in a GDPR Action Plan will help everyone to better understand what steps an enterprise should take to achieve GDPR compliance.

8. The Data Journey

To ensure compliance with the GDPR, an organisation will need to identify any potential weaknesses in its current methods for handling personal and/or sensitive data. To ensure that there are no ‘weak’ points in how personal data is processed, it may be helpful to consider the journey that different types of personal data takes as it goes through the organisation.

9. Data Security

There is a significant number of factors to consider when reviewing data and cyber security within an organisation. In this lesson, we consider a checklist of questions that managers may find helpful to answer when reviewing data security in their organisations.

10. Data Breaches

The GDPR requires an organisation to be able to respond appropriately to a data breach incident.

11. Data Handling Processes

In this lesson, we consider how managers should approach a review of the processes relating to the handling and processing of personal data.

12. Policy Development and Documentation

Compliance with the GDPR will require organisations to review their policies around data protection. It is necessary for organisations to be able to document and evidence their compliance with the Regulation.

13. Staff Training

To ensure ongoing compliance with the GDPR and the organisation’s data protection policies, it will be necessary for all organisations to provide adequate training to staff and volunteers (where appropriate in non-profits). In this lesson, we provide you with resources to support you in this task.

14. GDPR Management Review

GDPR makes data protection a board-level topic that should appear on the agendas of directors and management committees for discussion. The consequences for an organisation of a data breach can be significant and therefore a board of directors (or management committee) must ensure that adequate policies and procedures are in place to safeguard personal and sensitive data and protect the reputation of the organisation.

15. Course Assessment

Upon successful completion of the final course assessment each participant will be able to independently download a Certificate of Course Completion.

 

Note: Once an e-Learning course is booked, it could take up to 48 hours for login details to be provided.

NOTE: When booking, please make sure to input all the correct contact details onto the booking form as the information will be used to create learner profiles. Should information be entered incorrectly it could delay the booking process.

Target Audience

‘The General Data Protection Regulation course – Level 1’ is aimed at staff, supervisors and line managers working in data handling related positions.

The other GDPR Level 2 e-learning is for departmental line managers, Heads of Function, company directors and those responsible for ensuring organisational compliance with the GDPR and would have a basic level of GDPR knowledge already. The GDPR Level 2 e-learning is not a continuation of Level 1 and the GDPR modules do not need to be completed in succession.

Outline

The data protection regulation commonly referred to as the ‘GDPR’, will come into force throughout the EU and EEA on May 25th, 2018. This regulation is highly significant for any organisation that handles or monitors the personal data of individuals within the EU and EEA.

The regulation aims to:

  • Safeguard the personal data privacy rights of individuals.
  • Heighten accountability for how personal data is acquired and handled.

The GDPR applies to organisations that:

  • collect, share and use the personal data of EU/EEA residents;
  • offer goods and services to, or monitor EU/EEA residents.

The GDPR applies, irrespective of the country where the organisation is established. Thus, the GDPR has expanded the territorial scope of EU data protection law.

This course can be accessed for up to 30 days after purchase.

The First Step to Compliance – GDPR Level 1

This Level 1 course provides you with an overview of the Regulation and the significance of the GDPR for organisations large and small. It provides a practical first step to understanding the potential implications of GDPR for your organisation.

The Level 1 course may be used as part of staff awareness training around the GDPR.

Please note that our Level 2 course is designed to meet the needs of managers, Heads of Function or charity trustees who are responsible for planning or leading GDPR compliance within their organisations.

Course Structure

The course is divided into seven component parts and takes approximately 1 hour to complete. Practical templates are provided with course topics. Participants should allow for additional time to fully complete the practical work associated with the final lessons in the course. Topics are self-contained to facilitate micro-learning for the time conscious participant.

1. Introduction to the GDPR

This introductory lesson will help you to familiarise yourself with what the General Data Protection Regulation is and who the Regulation applies to. It also provides you with an opportunity to learn about the Data Protection Principles that organisations must adhere if they are to comply with the GDPR when processing personal data.

2. Key Data Protection Terminology

Defining what we mean by the terms ‘Data Subject, ‘Data Controller’, ‘Data Processor’, ‘Data Processing’ and ‘Supervisory Authority’.

3. Strengthening the Rights of Individuals

This lesson provides you with an overview of the privacy rights of individuals and the compliance implications of the GDPR.

4. The Principle of Accountability

The Accountability Principle is highly significant, as it compels organisations to demonstrate how they are complying with the data protection principles contained in the GDPR. How organisations demonstrate or evidence compliance will reflect the nature of their activities and organisation size. But irrespective of how large an organisation is, accountability for and transparency in the processing of personal data is a must!

5. Complying with the GDPR

Building on what we learned about the rights of individuals in Lesson 3, in this lesson we look at some of the practical ways in which the GDPR may impact on staff (or volunteers) in their day-to-day work. It also provides participants with a quick summary of the actions that should be taken in advance of May 2018 to ensure GDPR compliance.

6. Keeping Data Secure – Personal Top Tips

In this lesson of the Level 1 – GDPR course, we take a quick look at some of the things we can each do, to help keep personal data secure in our organisations.

7. Course Assessment

Upon successful completion of the final course assessment each participant will be able to independently download a Certificate of Course Completion.

 

Note: Once an e-Learning course is booked, it could take up to 48 hours for login details to be provided.

NOTE: When booking, please make sure to input all the correct contact details onto the booking form as the information will be used to create learner profiles. Should information be entered incorrectly it could delay the booking process.