Following on from the finalisation of its new five year strategic plan, St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland engaged Governance by Design to work with its State Council and explore key governance issues vital to achieving the process of change. Sonya Beyers was selected following her involvement in our strategic planning process, her in-depth knowledge of good governance practices and most importantly, her understanding of not-for-profit organisations  and their reliance on dedicated people who work tirelessly to support the individuals and communities served by the sector.

As a result of Sonya’s ability to quickly gather and synthesise individual, and often diverse, perspectives in a group setting, I have found her workshops lead to a comprehensive assessment of learnings and identification of outcomes and actions to take away.

The Society, much like so many other not-for profit organisations, is blessed with amazing volunteers and Sonya is exceptionally skilled in ensuring each participant is heard, valued and supported in their desire to create a major positive impact.

The Society’s State Council is very grateful to Sonya for her insight and guidance in supporting our commitment to ongoing governance improvement.

Joe Duskovic, Corporate Secretary & Legal Services Manager, S t  V i n c e n t  d e P a u l S o c i e t y  Queensland

Master Builders Queensland needed assistance to modernise its governance framework to ensure that it would stand it in good stead in world where not-for-profit organisations can no longer rely upon members just wanting to be members because they had to belong.

We were more interested in Sonya’s ability to guide our Board and senior team through the process rather than the actual documented changes at the end.  We needed somebody like Sonya who could facilitate the process rather than tell us what was or was not good governance for a not-for-profit.

It would be fair to say that Sonya exceeded our expectations.

We were particularly pleased with how Sonya guided the process to ensure broad buy-in and support for the changes.

Grant Galvin, CEO, Master Builders Queensland

I have known Sonya professionally for a long time. She is an exceptional lawyer and has expert knowledge in corporate governance, particularly in the not-for-profit space.

I find Sonya easy to deal with, thorough in her work but always focused on providing practical advice and solutions-oriented.

Sonya is well connected in the legal community in Queensland, is an accredited course convener with the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has up-to-date knowledge of legal governance issues.

I recently commissioned Sonya to draft an information paper on a matter relating to the composition of the board of directors which I chair. Sonya was immediately across the brief and completed a timely review of the relevant governance documents. The information paper prepared by Sonya was succinct and provided the guidance that I was seeking.

Andrew Haynes, Chairman, MOVE People Driven Banking

Sonya has an excellent ability to take time to understand her clients. As she takes time to learn about the organisation and shows a genuine interest in the organisation, this then translates into effective training tailored to the specific needs of the board.

As a result Sonya Beyers has been YMHAL’s governance advisor and trainer for the past four years.

Dushy Thangiah, CEO, Yumba-Meta Housing Association Ltd