Program Breakdown

Interns attend all Board meetings as non-voting members. They receive all Board documents and may be seconded onto appropriate subcommittees (at the Host Board’s discretion and depending on their availability).

Interns are mentored by an experienced Board Member who will meet with them one-on-one throughout the year to provide guidance and advice, answer any board related questions, exchange feedback and personally support them.

Interns participate in a full Learning & Development Program as well as two CMA conferences to complement their board governance experience.

The purpose of the Learning & Development Program is to enhance the Intern’s knowledge and understanding of governance from a Christian perspective by bringing them in-depth wisdom and experience from Christian professionals in all aspects of ministry governance.

Topics begin with Governance 101 and the place of God in the Boardroom, Understanding Financial Governance, ACNC Requirements, through to Setting Standards of Excellence, Strategy, Purpose and Program Alignment and the role of Faith and Strategy, Risk Management, Avoiding Mission Drift, and the Board Building Cycle.

Host Boards are also expected to include Interns in their own Board development training.

Interns are trained and equipped to act as effective “askers” and are given the opportunity to participate in a fundraising campaign to apply their new skills and support The Board Internship in partnership.

Interns are invited to various networking events throughout the year. Graduates can be listed on a CMA Directory and join an Alumni Group, with discounted prices of select CMA events for 2 years.

Interns and Mentors will be engaged in regular reviews, including formal reviews after six and 12 months. At the graduation event at the second CMA Conference, Interns receive a certificate of competence and, where appropriate and available, referrals to open Board positions.