Enhancing Governance Effectiveness: From Talent Acquisition to Compliance Practices
The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) is committed to promoting board diversity and effective governance within NGOs. In today’s increasingly complex social landscape, where risks are ever-present, boards and management must remain vigilant and adaptable to diverse challenges. A homogenous board, lacking variety in skills, backgrounds, or perspectives, may struggle to address multifaceted operational issues, such as Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance. By contrast, diverse boards, composed of members with varied expertise and viewpoints, enhance strategic decision-making, strengthen accountability, and foster resilience, ensuring NGOs are better equipped to navigate an evolving environment.
To advance this goal, HKCSS hosted the seminar, Boosting Board Effectiveness through Diversity, on 21 July 2025 at the HKEX Connect Hall. We were honored to welcome representatives from NGOs and corporate sectors to share their valuable insights.
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Finding suitable candidates to diversify NGO boards takes time, but immediate action can be taken to strengthen governance using specialized tools.
To empower NGOs in addressing the evolving social and regulatory landscape, HKCSS, in collaboration with Johnson Stokes & Master (JSM) and BNP Paribas, has released a revised "Anti-money Laundering/Counter-financing of Terrorism Due Diligence Toolkit for Hong Kong NGOs". This updated toolkit incorporates the latest regulatory requirements and provides practical guidance for implementing effective due diligence within organizations. By adopting such tools, boards can make informed decisions and mitigate risks while working toward greater diversity and long-term strategic goals.
Upcoming Seminar: Navigating the Governance Challenge in the Digital Era
Join us for the seminar “Navigating the Governance Challenge in the Digital Era” on 30 September which will provide a comprehensive overview of applying AI in line with best practice recommendations and exploring digital initiatives to enhance governance. Be part of this event to boost your NGO’s governance effectiveness!
Register here: https://forms.gle/yq6qg8gMtFWfyZAA7
Issue 21│September 2025
