Board accountability – “Do Something!”

Board accountability – “Do Something!”

Recent incidents in sporting clubs raise serious questions of the role of Boards and their governance effectiveness.

In the case of the North Melbourne Football Club, little has been heard, let alone seen, from the Chair and Directors in the sorry saga that enveloped the organisation.

Why?

Is it a matter that is “beneath” them? Is it “beyond” their involvement? Is it “too hot” in the kitchen?

Whatever the reason, and let’s hope the Board at least has one, it is not good enough! It is about time Boards assumed responsibility and accountability for what happens at their club. Where is the leadership? Certainly it would appear not to be with the Board.

Surely this is a wake-up call for all Boards to become more involved and accountable for what happens within organisations they have governing responsibility for.

In the immortal words of John Kennedy – “Do Something!” And to paraphrase with apologies to John, “Come off the Board and say ‘I did this. I supported the right club values, the right ethics and culture with the club. I stood for something. At least I did something’”.

Damein Smith,
Managing Director