We recognise that good governance requires a combination of:

  • Understanding the role of the Board
  • Effective, transparent processes; and
  • Constructive relationships

The right governance processes are important and, when combined with effective working relationships, create a culture of compliance and performance.

Our commitment is to take organisations from boardroom mechanics to boardroom dynamics.

Testimonials

“The Council of Woodcroft College selected Governance Matters, Kate Costello, to undertake a review of its Constitution and recommend any changes necessary to align it with current good governance practices. I have also worked with Kate in my previous role as a board member of AISSA when the board and management were developing a new strategic direction and plan and, undertaking a board member good governance development program.

Kate has an in-depth understanding of governance but, with a difference: her approach is highly practical, demonstrably relevant to the particular client and explained in easy-to-understand “plain English” with real life examples. She makes complex governance issues simple. All boards/councils and senior management should have the benefit of working with her.”

 

Mark Porter
Head of College

”It is my pleasure, as Chief Executive Officer of the Australasian College of Dermatologists, to provide a reference for Kate Costello, Governance Matters. In 2005, the College engaged Kate to undertake a radical review of its governance, particularly its governance structures, policies and processes. The review commenced with a presentation on good governance to the, then, Council, at the College’s Annual Scientific Meeting.

Despite vastly divergent views on the need for change, Kate led a highly consultative process that culminated in a successful vote at the 2005 AGM to change the constitution, particularly as it related to the governing body, which is now the Board.

In 2010, the College engaged Kate, again, to assess the effectiveness of the changes made in 2005. Her final report is due shortly.

The fact that the Board re-engaged Kate in 2010 is testament to the high regard the Board, other Fellows and management have for her governance knowledge, her inclusive consulting style, her practicality and her understanding of the politics of membership organisations and the professions.”

 

Rodney Sheaves
Chief Executive Officer

“During my time as CEO, the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) ran a series of best practice governance programs around Australia for board members of sporting organisations. Kate Costello, Governance Matters, developed and presented those programs. Kate also had input to the ASC’s Governance Best Practice Principles, was appointed by the ASC as independent reviewer of Ski and Snowboard Australia and assisted with negotiations of the merger of Men’s and Women’s golf.

Kate’s expertise in governance led to her serving, with me, as a committee member appointed by the Federal Government to undertake an independent review of the governance and management of soccer in Australia which resulted in the existing structures in the Australian Soccer Federation (ASF).

Kate has extensive experience in corporate governance and a real understanding of the governance issues faced by organisations. She has an impressive track record in assisting sporting organisations to adopt governance best practice in a practical way which meets the needs of the particular organisation.

I can highly recommend Governance Matters to the sporting community.”

 

Mark Peters
Previous CEO