Succession Planning that Actually Works: Building Future-Ready Boards (with Rachael McLennan, People for Purpose)
Release Date: 04/06/2026
Director Remuneration in the Not-for-Profit Sector (with Jenni Hutchins, CEO, Warrigal)
Boards with Purpose
Please note: The Australian Institute of Company Directors does not take a position on whether directors should or should not be remunerated. Our annual NFP study indicates a growing level of interest in this topic particularly from larger NFPs and for that reason, we have developed the to assist organisations considering remuneration in a thoughtful, ethical, and transparent way. Director remuneration remains one of the most debated issues in the not-for-profit sector. While most NFP directors continue to serve on a voluntary basis, increasing regulation, growing organisational...
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Introducing: Director Download
Boards with Purpose
We'd like to introduce you to another one of the AICD's podcasts, Director Download. This weekly podcast on contemporary governance practice brings you insights into what matters now and what's coming next, with views from AICD policy experts and Australia's leading governance specialists. Search 'Director Download' wherever you listen to podcasts or click the link below to start listening:
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Governing the Invisible: AI, Cyber Risk and Technology Oversight for NFP Boards (with Jagdeep Singh, Board Director, Consultant and Former CTO)
Boards with Purpose
As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in everyday software and digital systems grow increasingly complex, boards are being asked to govern technologies they may not fully understand. In this episode of Boards with Purpose, Phil speaks with technology executive about the evolving responsibilities of directors overseeing AI, cyber security, data and digital transformation in not-for-profit organisations. Drawing on practical examples from the sector, Jagdeep explores how boards can move beyond technology jargon and policy documents to meaningful governance. He shares frameworks for...
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Governance in Sport: Passion, Purpose and Performance with James Sutherland, CEO, Golf Australia and Lisa Yen, Chair, Basketball NSW
Boards with Purpose
In this episode of Boards with Purpose, Phil speaks with (Chair, Basketball NSW) and (CEO, Golf Australia) about the unique governance challenges and opportunities facing Australian sport. From grassroots participation to elite competition, they explore how sporting organisations balance passion with professionalism, navigate federated governance structures, and keep communities connected through sport. The conversation highlights the critical role sport plays in wellbeing, inclusion and social connection, while also unpacking the realities of running...
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Care Governance for Directors: Balancing Risk, Quality and Accountability in Today’s Environment (with Virginia Bourke, Mercy Health Australia and Martin Laverty, Aruma)
Boards with Purpose
In this episode of Boards with Purpose, Phil speaks with Martin Laverty, CEO of Aruma, and , Chair of Mercy Health, about the evolving landscape of care governance across aged care, disability, healthcare and early childhood sectors. Together, they explore how governance has matured in response to rising community expectations, regulatory reform and the lasting impact of Royal Commissions. The conversation highlights the shift from compliance-focused oversight to a more holistic, person-centred approach—where quality care is defined not just by safety, but by dignity, choice and lived...
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Succession Planning that Actually Works: Building Future-Ready Boards (with Rachael McLennan, People for Purpose)
Boards with Purpose
In this episode, Phil sits down with Rachael McLennan, co-founder of People for Purpose, for a thoughtful and practical conversation on succession planning in the not-for-profit sector. Together, they explore how rising community expectations, increased regulation and greater scrutiny are driving a more intentional approach to board and executive succession. Rachael highlights the shift from informal, relationship-based appointments to strategically aligned recruitment grounded in purpose, skills, diversity of perspective and future needs. She emphasises that effective succession planning is...
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Measuring Impact Without Losing Heart: Healthy Compassion in Action (with Zoe Black and Mark Osborn, Happy Paws Happy Hearts)
Boards with Purpose
In our debut episode of Board with Purpose, we sit down with Zoe Black, Founder & CEO of Happy Paws Happy Hearts, and Mark Osborn, the organisation’s chair, for a powerful conversation on the challenge of measuring impact in a not-for-profit organisation. Authentic, candid and full of practical insight, we delve into: How impact data informs governance, board decision‑making and strategic planning The importance of CEO wellbeing, including Zoe’s transformative three‑month sabbatical Balancing impact and sustainability in a changing NDIS landscape ...
info_outlineIn this episode, Phil sits down with Rachael McLennan, co-founder of People for Purpose, for a thoughtful and practical conversation on succession planning in the not-for-profit sector. Together, they explore how rising community expectations, increased regulation and greater scrutiny are driving a more intentional approach to board and executive succession. Rachael highlights the shift from informal, relationship-based appointments to strategically aligned recruitment grounded in purpose, skills, diversity of perspective and future needs. She emphasises that effective succession planning is not a moment in time, but a continuous, forward-looking discipline embedded in strategy.
The discussion also examines what high-performing boards are doing well — from setting clear term expectations and aligning director “superpowers” to strategy, to using robust board reviews and nominations committees to drive accountability and improvement. Rachael reflects on the importance of strong chairs, healthy board culture, and honest conversations about CEO succession, internal bench strength and risk appetite. Looking ahead, they consider the impact of AI, remuneration pressures, evolving workforce expectations and the growing complexity of leadership in the sector. The episode offers practical insights for boards and executives committed to building sustainable, future-ready governance in an increasingly demanding environment.
Learn more about People for Purpose: https://peopleforpurpose.com.au/
Find key resources for those in the NFP space in the AICD Not-for-Profit Resource Centre.