Boards with Purpose

In our debut episode of Board with Purpose, we sit down with Zoe Black, Founder & CEO of Happy Paws Happy Hearts, and Mark Osborn, the organisation's chair, for a powerful conversation on the challenge of measuring impact in a not-for-profit organisation.  Authentic, candid and full of practical insight, we delve into:  How impact data informs governance, board decision‑making and strategic planning  The importance of CEO wellbeing, including Zoe's transformative three‑month sabbatical  Balancing impact and sustainability in a changing NDIS landscape  Scaling a purpose‑driven model across diverse communities  Building board capability and culture for long‑term success  Zoe and Mark generously take us inside the Happy Paws Happy Hearts organisation and board, sharing its journey of impact measurement so far.  Here are just a handful of many noteworthy takeaways: Traditional output metrics fall short. A robust Theory of Change fundamentally reshaped how Happy Paws Happy Hearts understands and delivers impact.  Measuring impact requires trauma‑aware approaches that avoid retraumatising participants while still capturing meaningful outcomes.  Thoughtful impact reporting can strengthen participant agency, giving beneficiaries tools to advocate for themselves in complex support systems.  Embedding impact into organisational strategy demands board commitment—integrating it into dashboards, conversations and decision‑making processes.  Purpose‑driven organisations must carefully balance scale and sustainability without compromising the integrity of their mission.  Effective governance requires navigating shifting NDIS reforms, regional growth pressures, and a clearly defined risk appetite.  Leadership wellbeing is critical; conversations about burnout, sabbaticals and "healthy compassion" reveal what it takes to sustain impactful work over the long term.  Learn more about Happy Paws Happy Hearts: https://www.hphhfoundation.org/  Thank you to Impact Culture Australian for their assistance in this episode of Boards With Purpose. https://impactcultureaustralia.com.au/ 

Mergers have added complexity in a sector that is driven by purpose. NFP Sector Leader, Phil Butler is joined by Verity Hawkins GAICD and Graeme Innes AM GAICD to discuss their own experiences in leading mergers in the sector, and the challenges that that lie ahead.

Aged Care & Community Services CEO Pat Sparrow talks about the role of aged care in society, how the sector is coping with the challenges of COVID-19, the board/CEO relationship, emerging models of care, and the urgent reform needed in the sector.

Charitable giving is evolving. How do you stand out in a crowded funding environment? Katherine Raskob, CEO of Fundraising Australia, and Rick Millen, UNHRC director, discuss how boards can support the fundraising function in the evolving NFP landscape.

Governance consultant Geoff Carter urges boards to lift their gaze from crisis mode. Now's the time to rethink your NFP's mission and how you achieve it.

Experienced business leader Anne Skipper AM FAICD talks about the 'strategic reset' required in the NFP sector including the mindset shift needed and the operational challenges that boards must face to ensure a sustainable future in the sector.  

The COVID-19 crisis has stretched many NFPs financially. Roslyn Jackson FAICD discusses the challenges facing the sector, including cash flow, solvency issues and funding.   Roslyn is the Chair of Health Education Services Australia, Deputy Chair of Capital Health Network and a director of Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council. She is also Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee for the National Blood Authority.

Jane Seawright is the Chair of Netball Queensland, as well as a director of Racing Queensland and the Australian Festival of Chamber Music. In this debut episode of NFP Matters, she discusses how COVID-19 has impacted the arts and sport, how it has changed board dynamics, whether crisis plans were adequate and whether we might see a new era of co-operation in federated NFPs.