Accreditation

A comprehensive study of Australia’s not-for-profit sector (Views of Leadership and management in the Australian Social Economy, Morrow H, Bartlett L, Silaghi L, November 2007) found that the boards and committees of not-for-profit organisations need “more knowledge, data and frameworks”.

The knowledge and skills required to run a typical Buddhist temple or society is much greater now than it used to be. Boards and committees need to know about good governance, tax issues, statutory reporting, compliance with a variety of legislation, rules about fundraising, minimising risks and even legal issues.

As a service to members, the Buddhist Council is developing an accreditation program for members who wish to gain the necessary skills to more effectively run their temple or society. Not all members are expected to take up this option. Those that follow the accreditation path will participate in workshops where they can gain knowledge and skills on

• how to run a Buddhist temple or society
• record keeping and statutory reporting
• fundraising, grant funding and tax issues
• organising volunteers and running events
• property issues, insurance and risk management

These topics will be discussed in the spiritual context of running a Buddhist temple or society, with the recognition of the complementary roles within the four-fold assembly.

To find out more, please contact memberservice@buddhistcouncil.org.