Certified Community Directors Course

7-unit online certified course

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Mentoring Certified Community Directors Course

Strong governance builds strong communities

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The Certified Community Directors Course is designed for board members, trustees, CEOs, and senior staff working in the not-for-profit sector. The online course includes seven self-paced units covering governance fundamentals, financial oversight, risk, strategy, and more.

Brought to you by Community Governance Aotearoa, and developed in partnership with the Institute of Community Directors Australia. This practical, 100% online course gives you the skills, tools, and confidence to lead with clarity and purpose.

The Certified Community Directors Course is for those new to governance and for seasoned community board members or directors, this flexible learning pathway helps you build strong, resilient organisations that make a real difference.

Flexible, practical, and designed for our sector – start today!

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Unit 1
Governance Foundations
Understand board roles, constitutions, legal structures, and how to plan meetings effectively to support long-term stability.
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Unit 1
Governance Foundations
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Great boards do things right.

This unit provides an introduction to community sector governance, including the roles and responsibilities of a board member, legal structures, board meetings and the constitution. This is the first of seven units in this self-paced course. Complete all seven to become a Certified Community Director. This unit takes an average of 3-4 hours to complete.

The cost for Unit 1 of this course is $315.00 inc. GST. The cost for Units 2-7 is $155.00 (inc. GST) each.

Content in this unit:

  1. Course introduction
  2. Introduction to the not-for-profit sector
  3. What is governance?
  4. The difference between governance and management
  5. The roles and responsibilities of the board
  6. Ensuring legal and financial compliance and accountability
  7. NFP and community group legal structures
  8. The constitution
  9. Meetings and decision-making
  10. Further resources and conclusion

Note: Clicking the enrolment link will redirect you to the Institute of Community Directors Australia website where you can sign up before starting the unit or full course.

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Unit 2
Culture & Recruitment
Explore how board culture forms and how good recruitment shapes strong, resilient teams that can deliver lasting impact.
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Unit 2
Culture & Recruitment
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Great board culture starts here.

This unit provides an introduction to understanding the impact of external and internal factors that influence board and organisational culture, as well as strategies for successful recruitment for CEOs and board members. This is one of seven units in this self-paced course. Complete all seven to become a Certified Community Director. This unit takes an average of 1.5 – 3 hours to complete.

The cost for Unit 2 of this course is $155.00 (inc. GST).

Content in this unit:

  1. Course introduction
  2. What is culture?
  3. Understanding culture
  4. Cultural diversity and safety
  5. Cultural influences
  6. Introduction to recruitment
  7. Do you need a CEO?
  8. Recruiting for culture
  9. Selection process and onboarding
  10. Board recruitment
  11. Further resources and conclusion

Note: Clicking the enrolment link will redirect you to the Institute of Community Directors Australia website where you can sign up before starting the unit or full course.

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Unit 3
Strategic Planning & Change Management
Learn to guide your organisation’s direction and lead through times of transition, while managing both risks and opportunities.
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Unit 3
Strategic Planning & Change Management
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Plan and manage change with confidence.

This unit introduces the need for and advice on strategic planning for the board as well as frameworks for managing change in the organisation. This is one of seven units in this self-paced course. Complete all seven to become a Certified Community Director. This unit takes an average of 1.5 – 3 hours to complete.

The cost for Unit 3 of this course is $155.00 (inc. GST).

Content in this unit:

  1. Course introduction
  2. What is strategic planning?
  3. Involving stakeholders
  4. Role of the board in strategic planning
  5. Developing strategic objectives
  6. Implementation and monitoring
  7. Introduction to change management
  8. Types of organisational change
  9. Models of change
  10. Role of the board in managing change
  11. Further resources and conclusion

Note: Clicking the enrolment link will redirect you to the Institute of Community Directors Australia website where you can sign up before starting the unit or full course.

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Unit 4
Managing Your Funds
Build confidence in reading financial reports and managing funds responsibly, while creating systems that keep your board accountable.
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Unit 4
Managing Your Funds
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Understanding your board finances.

This unit provides an introduction to the key financial responsibilities of not-for-profit board members, including an overview of the main finance reports. This is one of seven units in this self-paced course. Complete all seven to become a Certified Community Director. This unit takes an average of 1.5 – 3 hours to complete.

The cost for Unit 4 of this course is cost $155.00 (inc. GST).

Content in this unit:

  1. Course introduction
  2. Financial responsibilities of the board
  3. Understanding key financial reports
  4. Financial planning and monitoring
  5. Accounting systems
  6. Avoiding solvency
  7. Further resources and conclusion

Note: Clicking the enrolment link will redirect you to the Institute of Community Directors Australia website where you can sign up before starting the unit or full course.

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Unit 5
Effective Communication
Strengthen how your board shares information, updates, and advocacy messages, ensuring clarity and trust across your organisation.
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Unit 5
Effective Communication
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Learn how to communicate effectively.

This unit provides an introduction to communication strategies that boards can consider when sharing information, updates, and advocacy with internal and external stakeholders. This is one of seven units in this self-paced course. Complete all seven to become a Certified Community Director. This unit takes an average of 1.5 – 3 hours to complete.

The cost for Unit 5 of this course is $155.00 (inc. GST).

Content in this unit:

  1. Course introduction
  2. Create an elevator pitch
  3. Communicate effectively as a board
  4. Who speaks when and why?
  5. Explore communication scenarios
  6. Stakeholder engagement
  7. Develop a communication strategy
  8. Further resources and conclusion

Note: Clicking the enrolment link will redirect you to the Institute of Community Directors Australia website where you can sign up before starting the unit or full course.

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Unit 6
Conflict Resolution & Negotiation
Handle conflict calmly and apply proven negotiation techniques when needed, fostering collaboration and positive board relationships.
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Unit 6
Conflict Resolution & Negotiation
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Turn conflict into collaboration.

This unit introduces reasons for and impacts of conflict within the board and across the organisation as well as techniques and strategies for negotiation and resolution. This is one of seven units in this self-paced course. Complete all seven to become a Certified Community Director. This unit takes an average of 1.5 – 3 hours to complete.

The cost for Unit 6 of this course is $155.00 (inc. GST) each.

Content in this unit:

  1. Course introduction
  2. What is conflict and how can it impact groups?
  3. Responses to conflict
  4. Managing conflict
  5. Understand when to negotiate
  6. Negotiation process
  7. Test your knowledge
  8. Further resources and conclusion

Note: Clicking the enrolment link will redirect you to the Institute of Community Directors Australia website where you can sign up before starting the unit or full course.

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Unit 7
Finding Funding
Explore essential funding streams and learn how to secure sustainable income, so your organisation can thrive well into the future.
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Unit 7
Finding Funding
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Unlock opportunities for your board.

This unit introduces the seven pillars of funding for not-for-profit organisations and provides advice on effective fundraising strategies. This is one of seven units in this self-paced course. Complete all seven to become a Certified Community Director. This unit takes an average of 1.5 – 3 hours to complete.

The cost for Unit 7 of this course is $155.00 (inc. GST).

Content in this unit:

  1. Course introduction
  2. Plan to find funding
  3. Prepare your case for funding
  4. Developing a funding strategy
  5. Further resources and conclusion

Note: Clicking the enrolment link will redirect you to the Institute of Community Directors Australia website where you can sign up before starting the unit or full course.

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Purchase the full course and get one unit free

Enrol now View pricing

The prices for Certified Community Directors course are NZ$315 for the first large unit, Units 2-7 are NZ$155 each.

You can purchase the whole package for NZ$1090 which means the last unit is free.

Completed the Certified Community Directors Course?
Continue with Community Governance Aotearoa governance resources such as the Good Governance Code, and Board Evaluation tools – you’re well on your way to governing with confidence.

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Pay as you go

Choose your own pace: enrol in units one at a time or commit to the full course. It’s flexible and 100% online.

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12 months’ access

Go at your own pace and revisit course materials anytime over 12 months to refresh your knowledge or access tools & templates.

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No Hidden Costs

No surprise fees. No annual subscriptions. Just one simple price per unit, buy the whole course and receive the 7th unit free!

Frequently asked questions
  • Do I have to complete all the units?

    Yes. To become a Certified Community Director, you must complete all seven units of the course. Each unit builds on the last and covers essential governance competencies for board members.

  • What do the different units cover exactly?

    The course includes seven units:

    1. Governance Foundations – Roles, responsibilities, legal structures, constitutions.
    2. Culture & Recruitment – Board culture, recruitment strategies.
    3. Strategic Planning & Change – Planning frameworks and change management.
    4. Managing Your Funds – Financial responsibilities, reports, and oversight.
    5. Effective Communication – Internal and external communication strategies.
    6. Conflict Resolution – Techniques for resolving board-level conflict.
    7. Finding Funds – Fundraising strategies and income diversification.
  • How will I be assessed?

    You’ll complete interactive quizzes and questions at the end of each chapter. These are designed to reinforce learning and ensure you understand the material before moving on.

  • How long does each unit take to complete?

    The first unit is larger and will take 3-4 hours to complete. Units 2-7 take 1.5 – 3  hours to complete each. You can pause and resume at any time.

  • Once I’ve enrolled, how long do I have to complete the course?

    You have 12 months from the date of enrolment to complete all units. You can work entirely at your own pace within that timeframe.

  • How will the course assist me with future board appointments?

    The course equips you to:

    • Participate confidently in financial, strategic, and governance discussions.
    • Understand legal responsibilities and constitutional issues.
    • Demonstrate your commitment to good governance – something many boards now look for when recruiting
  • What credential will I receive?

    You’ll receive:

    • A micro-credential certificate for each unit.
    • A Certified Community Director certificate once all seven units are completed.

    These can be added to your LinkedIn profile and CV to showcase your governance capability.

  • Is the course accessible to participants with vision impairment?

    Yes. The course is screen reader compatible and fully self-paced, allowing participants to pause and resume as needed.

Start your journey to become a Certified Community Director

Access all seven units of the Certified Community Director course for just $1,090 inc GST ($155 discount on full price).

Enrol now
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The Good Governance Code

The Good Governance Code is a set of six principles that define what is good governance for community organisations in Aotearoa.

Learn more

Helpful resources

Document
Good Governance Code: Board Evaluation Tools
Updated 28 Feb 2024
Use these guiding questions to consider your own board's practices and policies.
Shared Link
Te Puni Kōkiri – Māori governance resources
Updated 6 Dec 2021
A collection of resources tailored to Māori governance from Te Puni Kōkiri and the NZ Government.
Shared Link
Te Whare Hukahuka – Māori governance training
Updated 6 Dec 2021
Te Whare Hukahuka provides governance training options tailored for Māori organisations.

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