Training - Financial Management and Governance

Financial management and governance were repeatedly identified as organisational needs in local Landcare groups, so a training day was developed.

Training - Financial Management and Governance

Financial management and governance were repeatedly identified as organisational needs in local Landcare groups, so a training day was developed.

Building our Future -

LLCI014-035

The issue

Financial management and governance had been identified as common needs among local Landcare groups when doing the Landcare NSW organisational health check, so a training day was developed to provide training in these areas. Many groups had lost track of the accounts, hadn't been audited and were handling money or liabilities, sometimes of unknown origins. Group members identified the need to receive updates in current practice, information on available tools to assist with governance and common issues.

The solution

Through a collaboration with local training provider 'The Business Center' appropriate training was developed to address the issues identified by local Landcare groups. This was advertised widely to Landcare and NRM groups in the Hunter, with people traveling up to 2 hours to attend the training. As with other Local Landcare Coordinator events, this was also an opportunity for Landcarers to come together and network with others whilst addressing common issues. Groups are able to exchange experience and possible solutions through knowledge sharing at community of practice events.

The impact

The evaluation of the training showed an entirely positive overview. The training was described as well presented and easy to understand, with particpants more thoroughly aware of the importance reporting and governance requirements. Group members have left the training and proceeded to implemented learning into practice through arranging funds to incorporate book keeping and are investigating cloud based accounting software. Some groups that have inherited messy and unclear historical account keeping found the training very helpful in learning how to tidy up and implement systems that make group finances more manageable, transparent and less time consuming into the future.