Blog posts

In our increasingly data-driven economy, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) products have become indispensable. From customer relationship management to project management and board governance, businesses entrust vast amounts of sensitive information to third-party vendors. Yet, a fundamental question often goes unasked: Does my SaaS provider genuinely need complete, unencrypted access to my customer data for their service to…

In the contemporary Australian corporate landscape, the board meeting is the definitive nexus of accountability. Directors are tasked not only with guiding strategy but with meticulously meeting the governance expectations set by the ASX and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). This duty is complex, requiring a delicate balance between strict compliance and the moral and ethical…

In the complex landscape of modern governance, a board’s duty of care extends far beyond financial oversight. It now includes the rigorous protection of the organisation’s most sensitive data. The choice of a board portal is, therefore, a fundamental act of risk management. For discerning directors and council members, this decision is underpinned by a…

In an increasingly digital age, the choice of communication channels for board-level discussions carries significant implications for security, confidentiality, and corporate governance. A pervasive, yet often overlooked, risk arises when board members utilise their primary corporate email addresses (i.e., those provided by their primary employer) for their external board responsibilities with a different organisation.  This…

Independent schools in Australia hold a unique position of trust within their communities. They are custodians not only of educational excellence but also of vast amounts of sensitive information—from student records and family financial data to staff details and intellectual property. This wealth of personal and proprietary data has made them increasingly attractive and lucrative…

In Australia, schools are not merely educational institutions; they are cornerstones of our communities, entrusted with the profound responsibility of nurturing the next generation. The efficacy of a school’s operations, its financial stability, and its adherence to educational and ethical standards are fundamentally dependent on robust governance. In this context, the adoption of a dedicated…

In the contemporary landscape, effective board governance is paramount. Yet, many organisations continue to grapple with administrative inefficiencies, outdated processes, and the significant security risks associated with traditional methods of board management. When faced with these challenges, a common and often instinctual response is to engage a high-priced governance consultant. For many not-for-profits, board governance…

In the bustling business environment time is a precious commodity. For board administrators and directors, the days leading up to a board meeting can often feel like a frantic race against the clock. The traditional process of compiling, printing, and distributing board packs is a significant source of stress and consumes valuable time that could…

For growing not-for-profit organisations, the need for robust governance often clashes with the reality of tight budgets. Maintaining transparency, ensuring compliance, and fostering effective board engagement can feel like a juggling act with limited resources. Reliance on email chains, printed board materials, and manual tracking becomes increasingly cumbersome, hindering efficiency and potentially exposing governance risks…

The next generation of board members, often digitally native and data-driven, expects their board portal to be more than just a place to store documents. They want an intuitive, strategic tool that enhances their ability to govern effectively. Athena Board, for example, is designed to meet these evolving expectations by moving beyond basic document storage…