What rules apply to common types of organisations?

The organisation’s governance helps it deliver on the activities and functions it has been set up to carry out.  There are both external and internal rules that apply to organisations which guide these activities and decision-making.

Every organisation will have some formal internal document that outlines the rules and procedures it operates by. This is likely to be called the ‘Constitution’.  There are also likely to be a set of policies or procedures that apply to the specific activities that the organisation undertakes – such as how it manages its volunteers – that incorporate the relevant legal requirements, standards and guidelines.

There are also external rules relating to governance that apply to all organisations, with some rules depending on what legal structure they have.  There are also specific external laws, policies and procedures that may apply depending on the activities the organisation undertakes. If, for example, the organisation delivers services/support for activities involving children, there are requirements for all staff and volunteers associated with the organisation to have blue cards and other child safety systems; or if the organisation is involved in food handling – there are food handling procedures that the organisation needs to comply with.