Gov-Enhance

What is Gov-Enhance? 

Sport Ireland launched its Gov-Enhance Programme, a governance support programme, in 2020 to help the sector implement the principles and practices outlined within the Governance Code for Sport (the Code). This programme is managed by the Governance Unit within Sport Ireland.

Since the mandatory deadline of 31 December 2021 outlined in the Government’s 2018-2017 National Sports Policy for sport organisations funded by Sport Ireland to adopt the Code, the Gov-Enhance Programme has evolved to focus on assisting organisations with the embedding of the Code's key governance principles: 

  • Principle 1 Leading the organisation
  • Principle 2 Exercising control over the organisation 
  • Principle 3 Being transparent and accountable 
  • Principle 4 Working effectively 
  • Principle 5 Behaving with integrity 

For more details on the Code, please check out the governance section of the Sport Ireland website or click here for the full guide to the Code. 

 

Gov-Enhance Programme Elements:

In 2024 we had 415 representatives from National Governing Bodies, Local Sports Partnerships and other funded bodies attend Gov-Enhance events. Each year, feedback and audit results are assessed to tailor support in creating the programme schedule for the coming year. 

Gov-Enhance offers resources to Executives and Board members in Sport Ireland-funded bodies and hosts ten to twelve governance specific events annually, including our flagship Annual Governance Conference. Events include three networks for key roles such as Board Chairperson, Board Secretary, and Audit and Risk Committee (or equivalent) Members. These events offer a mix of in-person and online opportunities to the sector and are provided both by Sport Ireland and our external partners who we work with.

These events may change each year based on feedback and the evolving needs of the sector. Below are examples of past events organised for the sector, categorised into specific groups:

  • Chairpersons Network
    • The role of culture in implementing the Code
    • Delivery and coordination of Board meetings 
    • Effective chairing skills 
    • Relationships and boundaries for Chairperson with the CEO
    • Chairperson’s role in working effectively and behaving with integrity including, succession planning, board effectiveness reviews and evaluations
     
  • Secretary Network
    • Running meetings effectively - roles and responsibilities, good governance, efficiency 
    • Board work programme 
    • Panel discussions on challenges of the role of secretary in the sports sector
     
  • Audit and Risk Committee members (or equivalent) Network
    • Risk and opportunity management 
    • Cybersecurity 
    • Internal control 
    • Audit process and key governance, finance and risk themes from audits 
     
  • Board Members
    • Gender and Diversity on Boards 
    • Board Member Roles & Responsibilities 
    • Financial Oversight for board members 
    • Board dynamics: Tone, Relationship and Diversity 

     

  • For Board Members and Executives within organisations who led on certain areas 
    • Governance reporting obligations for Governance Leads 
    • Strategy, direction & performance 
    • Risk management 
    • Cybersecurity  
    • Communication with stakeholders 

     

How do I register for an event?

Information on the programme activity and events will be circulated to governance contacts, or Sport Ireland’s primary contact within the sector, throughout the year. 

Should you have any questions on the Gov-Enhance Programme, or need to change your point of contact, please contact us at governance@sportireland.ie.

 

Terms & Conditions apply and can be found below.

Terms & Conditions

Gov-Enhance Terms & Conditions