Coaching and Mentoring
For executive assistants and board administrators, as one session, six weeks or support shaped around you.
More on coaching and mentoringBoard Secretariat Support
Independent board secretariat work for boards that are new or established.
The core of the business since inception in 2020 has been to support boards Australia wide as their independent board secretary.
The support I provide covers the entire calendar year through the timely preparation, compilation and distribution of meeting papers, documenting meeting minutes to capture the outcomes of a meeting and monitoring compliance obligations.
I have a depth of experience supporting boards at every stage, from those being built, advisory boards moving to a governance board and those who have years of experience.
If the secretariat responsibilities within your organisation have changed or the secretariat load has outgrown the people carrying it, that is where I can assist.
Ways to work with me
01
Agenda planning and meeting preparation
A well-structured agenda sets the tone for an effective board meeting. I can work with you to shape the agenda, ensure the sequencing makes sense and help make sure the right matters are coming to the board at the right time.
02
Board paper coordination and review
Chasing papers, following up with contributors and pulling everything together can be time-consuming. I can manage the process for you, including following up on outstanding papers and undertaking a practical review before the papers are collated and distributed.
03
Independent minute taking
Minutes capture the decisions, discussions and key considerations of the board without becoming a transcript of the meeting. My independence allows me to listen objectively, identify what matters and produce clear, accurate and factual minutes that provide a reliable record of the board's work.
04
Board registers and actions
Keeping board registers and action items up to date is an important part of good governance. I can maintain registers such as actions, attendance, directors' interests and other governance records, giving you confidence that these important details aren't being overlooked.
05
Board and committee workplans
A workplan provides a board and management with a shared view of what needs to be considered throughout the year. I can develop and maintain workplans aligned to your strategy, monitor progress and identify matters that may need to be brought forward, deferred or reprioritised.
06
Practical governance insights
Sometimes it's the small things that make the biggest difference. Drawing on my experience working alongside boards and the people who support them, I'll share practical observations and suggestions throughout our engagement to help strengthen your board processes and governance practices.
07
Board software support
Choosing and implementing board software can feel like another project on an already long list. Having worked with a range of board platforms, I can help you consider what will work for your board, your organisation and your budget, and support you through the implementation process.
Boards I work with
New boards finding their feet
Boards being built out for the first time, where the whole meeting cycle has to be set up from scratch.
Established boards
Boards that have been meeting for years and need the secretariat to hold steady as directors and staff change.
Corporate boards
Boards carrying heavier compliance obligations, where the papers and the minutes have to be right every time.
Family boards
Family businesses putting structure around how decisions get made and written down.
From an advisory group to a governance board
I set up the formal record and the obligations that come with moving from advice to governance.
Why work with me
Australia wide
boards across the country, in person and online
Independent
impartial support from outside the organisation
You work with me
the person you meet does the work
Common questions
Do you only work with boards in South Australia?
No. I am based in Adelaide and work with boards Australia wide.
What kinds of boards do you work with?
New boards, boards that have been meeting for years, corporate boards, family boards, and organisations moving from an advisory group to a governance board.
Are you in the meetings yourself?
Yes. I attend your meetings and write the minutes myself.
Other ways we can work together
Speaking and Events
Talks at events on minute taking, board administration, working as a sole trader, and starting a business in your 50s.
More on speakingSuzanne's calm approach and thorough work has added significant benefits to boards I've been involved with. She's been a joy to work with.
Let's have a chat
Tell me what you need and I'll reply myself with a time to talk.
Or email me directly at suzanne@boardsupportservices.com.au