ClubsNSW Launches First Company Directors Course with the AICD

The responsibilities carried by club directors continue to expand. Regulatory scrutiny, financial complexity and heightened member expectations mean board decisions must be robust, defensible and well informed.

This month ClubsNSW officially launched the first Company Directors Course, delivered in partnership with the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).

This inaugural course commenced at Club York, welcoming club directors and senior leaders to the first session of a nationally recognised governance qualification, tailored specifically for the registered club sector.

The launch of this course marks a major step forward in the ClubsNSW–AICD partnership and reinforces our shared commitment to strengthening learning, leadership and governance capability across member clubs. For the first time, directors and executives can access the highly regarded AICD Company Directors Course within a program designed for the unique operational, regulatory and cultural environment in which clubs operate.

While designed primarily for directors, the course also delivers significant value for CEOs and senior executives who work closely with boards. By developing a shared governance language and a common understanding of roles, responsibilities and decision-making frameworks, the program strengthens the relationship between governance and management.

Delivered across a structured series of modules, the course provides real-world club scenarios across strategy, financial oversight, risk, culture and ethics. Directors gain confidence to ask the right questions and exercise sound judgement, while CEOs gain clearer insight into how boards assess risk, discharge duties and reach decisions.

For CEOs, this understanding supports more effective board reporting, sharper strategic discussions and clearer alignment on accountability. For directors, it leads to better information, stronger challenge and more productive engagement with management. For both, it provides reassurance that governance practices align with recognised best practice — strengthening credibility with regulators, members and stakeholders.

Key Benefits for Participants

• A nationally recognised AICD qualification contextualised for the club sector.
• Practical governance frameworks tailored to club environments.
• Clearer alignment between board oversight and executive leadership.
• Improved board discussions, insight and decision‑making.
• Stronger, more effective board–CEO relationships.

With additional courses scheduled across NSW, clubs are encouraged to register for upcoming intakes and take advantage of this landmark learning opportunity. View upcoming courses and register here.

Directors and CEOs are also encouraged to register in the Governance for NFP Directors program, delivered in Newcastle, Dubbo and Sydney, offering the opportunity to strengthen governance capability across the club sector. Places are limited, and demand is expected to be strong for this landmark opportunity to build governance capability and leadership confidence across the club sector.