Running the organisation

The resources in this section are designed to assist Victorian community organisations with the day-to-day running of the organisation. In particular, the focus of this section is on compliance with the legal and regulatory requirements for running not-for-profit community organisations.

PilchConnect has developed a Guide for public officers and secretaries of Victorian incorporated associations. The Guide is designed to help people in these positions (as well as anyone involved in the day to day running of a Victorian incorporated association) to run an effective, compliant community organisation. For more information about the Guide, see:

• Guide for Public Officers and Secretaries of Victorian Incorporated Associations

PilchConnect has also produced a Guide to the Legal Duties of Not-for-Profit Committee Members in Victoria. The Guide was written by PilchConnect lawyers, commissioned by the Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS) as a resource to support regional training on this topic funded by the Victorian Government.

The Guide covers the key legal duties of all people who hold a position on the governing body of a not-for-profit community organisation, including incorporated associations, companies limited by guarantee, cooperatives and indigenous corporations as well as unincorporated groups. It is a plain-language guide which includes case studies based on common situations that arise in the NFP sector, as well as tips to help Committee and Board members comply with their legal obligations. For further information about the Guide, see:

• Guide to the legal duties of Committee or Board members of not-for-profit community organisations in Victoria

For other general topics about running not-for-profit community organisations (both incorporated associations and companies limited by guarantee) see:

• governance issues;
• holding meetings;
• holding an Annual General Meeting;
• financial reporting;
• protecting your name, ideas and material;
• internet and social media;
• occupational health and safety; and
• document retention requirements.

For legal information about committee of managements, boards or officers in a community organisation, or volunteer or employees, see The people involved section of this website.