1. Board charter 

This document defines the roles, responsibilities and expectations of the board, including: 

• decision-making processes 
• board composition 
• term limits 
• meeting protocols.  

2. Code of conduct 

A code of conduct establishes expected standards of behaviour for board members, staff, volunteers and stakeholders. It promotes ethical conduct, professionalism and integrity.  

Often there are different expectations for the organisation and the board. So, the code of conduct may be 2 separate documents. 

For more guidance: 

• see Creative Workplaces website’s code of conduct template and  
• search the Institute of Community Directors Australia website for code of conduct resources. 
   

3. Conflict of interest policy 

This policy outlines how board members must disclose and manage any conflicts of interest that may arise in their role. It prevents personal or financial interests from influencing decision-making.  

For more guidance, search the Institute of Community Directors Australia website for conflict of interest resources. 
 

4. Financial management policies  

These are policies on financial controls, delegations, budgeting, financial reporting and auditing. They ensure transparency, accountability and sound financial practices.  

Examples include:  

• financial controls policy 
• delegations policy  
• financial monitoring and reporting policy 
• reserve and fund management policy.  

For more guidance, search the Institute of Community Directors Australia website for financial management resources. 

5. Risk management framework or plan 

This identifies and manages risks specific to the organisation, such as: 

• reputational risks 
• legal compliance 
• financial risks 
• health and safety risks 
• other potential threats.  

6. Work health and safety policy 

This policy outlines how the organisation will meet its obligations under workplace health and safety legislation. Board members have specific legal responsibilities that should be covered in this policy.  

For more guidance:  

• see Creative Workplace’s work health and safety policy template 
• search the Creative Workplaces website for further guidance and resources including how to develop a safety management system 
   

7. Succession and recruitment policy 

This policy outlines the key responsibilities of the board when recruiting and appointing key leadership positions, such as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Artistic Director.  

8. Bullying, harassment and discrimination policy 

Organisations and businesses have legal obligations to prevent certain types of unacceptable workplace behaviours. This policy defines discrimination, harassment and bullying at work, preventative actions to stop unacceptable behaviours from happening and details on how incidents should be managed to ensure a respectful environment for all. 

Refer to Creative Workplaces for: 

• an unacceptable workplace behaviours policy template  
• guidance on bullying, harassment and discrimination.  

9. Equity, access and inclusion policy 

This policy provides a diversity and inclusion framework for all stakeholders within the organisation or community. It helps to: 

• ensure fair and equal opportunities 
• remove barriers 
• foster a diverse and inclusive environment 
• set out organisational standards and minimum training requirements.    

For more guidance: 

• see Creative Workplaces website’s information about writing a policy on unacceptable workplace behaviours 
• search the Institute of Community Directors Australia website for access and equity resources   
• see Diversity Arts Australia’s equity and inclusion checklist.  

Additional policies you may need  

These are additional policies you may need, depending on the size of your organisation and the work you do. 

1. Intellectual property policy 

This policy includes guidelines and rules that govern an organisation’s approach to managing and protecting its intellectual property assets. This includes patents, copyrights and trademarks.  

For more guidance, see Arts Law’s sample cultural and intellectual property policies.  
 

2. Data and cyber security policy  

This policy outlines protocols for: 

• protecting sensitive information 
• preventing data breaches 
• addressing cyber threats 
• promoting safe digital practices. 

It also includes guidelines for mitigating risks related to cyber security and the use of technology.  

3. Policy for engaging with First Nations communities 

This policy helps ensure culturally safe, respectful and collaborative relationships when working with First Nations people and communities. It considers culture, knowledge and rights.  

For more guidance: 

• see the National Association for the Arts website for its First Nations: Summary of good practice recommendations.  
   

4. Whistleblower policy 

This policy sets out a mechanism for reporting unethical behaviour or wrongdoing within the organisation, ensuring protection and confidentiality for whistleblowers.  

For guidance, search the Institute of Community Directors Australia website for whistleblowing resources.  
 

5. Climate change policy  

This policy should state your organisation’s position on climate action. It should also set standards to guide decisions, manage risks, meet legal duties and reflect your purpose and values. 
 

For more guidance: 

• use Creative Climate’s resources   
• refer to the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ climate governance for NFP directors   

6. Board evaluation policy  

A board evaluation policy is a documented set of processes and expectations that guides how your organisation reviews its board’s performance over time.  

Having a policy in place gives board members clarity on what will be assessed, how often, and what to expect from the process. 

Sector-specific policies  

Your organisation may need policies specific to the nature of your work and who you work with. Below are examples of policies you may need.   

1. Ethical decision-making policy 

This policy outlines your organisation’s approach to defining your ethical principles, assessing ethical risks and establishing decision-making criteria aligned with organisational values and mission.  

2. Child safety code of conduct 

This policy is necessary if your organisation is engaged in projects involving children under 18. This includes creating artworks, performances and exhibitions, and distributing images.  

The policy should: 

• comply with relevant laws and safeguards for children’s wellbeing 
• outline procedures for obtaining consent and handling sensitive content.  
  For more guidance:  
• refer to Creative Workplaces’ guidance on creating safe workplaces for children and young people 
• use Creative Workplaces’ Child Safety Code of Conduct template 
• see the Australian Human Rights Commission’s child safety and wellbeing resources, which includes a policy template.  
   

3. First Nations cultural and intellectual property policy 

 This policy is necessary if your organisation works with First Nations communities, including: 

• collaborate with First Nations artists or communities 
• exhibit First Nations artworks 
• manage or engage with First Nations cultural material 
• license First Nations works 
• use digital platforms that involves First Nations artists and communities 
• engage in educational programs that involves First Nations artists and communities 
• apply for funding that involves First Nations artists and communities.  

Use Creative Australia’s protocols for using First Nations cultural and intellectual property in the arts as a framework to help develop your policy.