Give your board a clearer operating framework

A constitution or association rules set the formal legal framework, but they often do not explain how the board should operate in practice. A board charter can cover board responsibilities, reserved matters, delegations, committee reporting, meeting procedures and standards of conduct. For charities, associations and social enterprises, that extra layer is often useful where directors, members and management all play different roles. It should work consistently with your existing governing documents, not override them. If there are inconsistencies between the charter and your constitution or rules, those issues may need separate legal attention.

This service is often valuable for charities, incorporated associations, clubs and social enterprises that want clearer board-level governance or need to formalise practices that have developed informally. It is particularly relevant where there are multiple decision-makers, active committees, member oversight, funding conditions or regulator expectations around governance standards. New organisations may use a board charter to set boundaries early, while established organisations often need one when board and management roles have become blurred. The service is focused on the legal work described here, with any wider compliance position depending on facts outside the fixed-fee scope.

A board charter can clarify what decisions stay with the board, what can be delegated, how directors interact with management, how committees report, and what conduct and accountability standards apply. In the not-for-profit sector, it can also help address practical issues around member involvement, volunteer leadership, funding obligations and internal approval pathways. The right drafting and advice depend on how your organisation actually operates in practice. If the charter reveals broader governance problems, such as unclear constitutional powers or outdated committee terms, those issues may need separate work beyond the charter itself.

Yes. Existing constitutions, association rules, committee charters, policies, board papers or an older charter can all be useful source documents for this service. Reviewing those materials helps identify where the new charter should align with current governance settings and where there may be gaps or inconsistencies. Current board practice also matters, because the document needs to reflect how decisions are really made, escalated and recorded. If your documents conflict, or if regulator-facing obligations suggest a wider governance review is needed, we can flag practical next steps and scope that separately if required.

Once the board charter is finalised, the next step is usually formal adoption by the board and practical rollout across the organisation. That may involve updating board procedures, committee terms, delegations, induction materials or related policies so the charter is actually used. We can provide guidance on how the document typically fits with your constitution and existing governance documents. It is also sensible to revisit the charter when your board structure changes, funding conditions shift, or the organisation grows. Ongoing governance support and broader document updates would generally be handled as separate work.

As an online law firm, we eliminate the headaches of paying us by the hour and finding time to meet with a lawyer in person. We charge a fixed fee, with upfront quotes and transparent pricing, and communicate via phone, email and video chat - whichever suits you! You'll be guided through our process by our expert lawyers, who are Australian-qualified and specialise in technology, intellectual property, contract drafting, corporate and commercial law.

At Sprintlaw, our pricing is transparent and designed for startups and small businesses. Many one-off legal services, including document drafting and reviews, are provided for a fixed fee with an upfront quote before you proceed.

Prices typically range from $250 to $2,500 AUD depending on the complexity and scope of the work. For ongoing support, Sprintlaw Memberships include options such as legal templates, consultations, a legal helpline and credits for services.

If your project is larger or more complex, we will provide a tailored quote after understanding what you need.

Our law firm operates completely online, which means we can help you wherever you are in Australia. We work at The Commons Central - a cool co-working space in Chippendale, Sydney - but our lawyers often work flexibly across various locations.

Our lawyers also work from co-working spaces and home offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, so clients can get help online without needing to meet in person.