Governance Foundations Matter

Contemporary resources for constitutional change.

As boards look ahead to the year before them, governance foundations matter. Clear structures, well‑understood roles and contemporary decision‑making practices enable boards to lead with confidence, particularly in an environment of increasing complexity and accountability.

For this reason, a key governance focus for LESNW in 2026 is constitutional change.

LESNW recommends that each learning community review its constitution at least every five years. This regular rhythm supports alignment with legal and synodical obligations and encourages steady, incremental improvement.

A new suite of constitution templates

Late in 2025, LESNW introduced a new suite of constitution templates, developed in collaboration with our legal team. These templates:

reflect current legislative, regulatory and synodical requirements
simplify clauses previously experienced as complex
restore consistency to provisions that have evolved unevenly over time
embed contemporary governance practice

Compared with previous templates, the new suite introduces several changes in governance practice. For example:

the principal/director is a standing invitee to board meetings, addressing the long-standing tension of principals carrying governance accountability without the ability to exercise a vote
the chair is appointed at the meeting prior to commencement, preventing periods where boards are left without a chair between December and January
the chair does not hold a casting vote, reflecting the contemporary view that a tied vote signals the need for further discernment and work by the board
consequences are specified for board members who are repeatedly absent without approved leave, responding to challenges around quorums
where a quorum is not present, no business is transacted, removing the need for complex procedural workarounds for rescheduling

A comprehensive and empowering process

Alongside the new suite of templates, LESNW has established a comprehensive process to support boards through constitutional change.

This approach is designed to be both streamlined and empowering. Boards are supported to understand their legislative and synodical obligations, as well as the freedoms available to them, and to remain firmly in control of shaping a constitution that serves their learning community now and into the future.

Boards are encouraged to include constitution review as part of their forward governance planning. To learn more about the practicalities involved, or to discuss the level of support that would best suit your board, please make contact to begin the conversation.

LESNW is deeply grateful for the commitment, wisdom and generosity of board members who give their time and expertise in service of their learning communities, often quietly. Thank you.