2026 UPJ Governance Course
Good Governance for Successful Synagogues April – May 2026
The UPJ continues to support our member congregations with the launch of the 2026 Governance Course for board members and potential board members.
The Governance Course for 2026 runs from 12 April to 3 May on consecutive Sunday afternoons. It is geared for existing board members. The program uses practical and interactive sessions focusing on the most important aspects to managing a synagogue efficiently and effectively. At the end of the program, participants will develop a project for their synagogue overseen by a local mentor. Sessions to share project outcomes will follow several months after the course.
Cost is $200 per participant and is highly subsidised by the UPJ. Price includes a book written by our course leader, David Fishel, which provides more detail for each week’s session plus more examples and further readings.
Observer Scholarship – UPJ is offering an Observer Program free of change for prospective board members to attend the Governance Course. Observers will receive the book and participate as full members of the Governance Course and work on a project for their congregation afterwards. Observers are expected to attend their local board meetings in the year following the program in preparation for joining the board in the future.
Please email upj@upj.org.au for more information about the Observer scholarship.
Facilitator – David Fishel is an experienced consultant, governance facilitator and co-founder of Positive Solutions, specialising in board development, leadership and organisational sustainability in the not-for-profit and community sectors. He works closely with boards and senior leaders to strengthen governance practice, clarify roles and support effective decision-making. David is author of The Book of the Board, one of Australia’s most widely used and practical governance texts (4th edition 2025). He brings a thoughtful, inclusive and highly practical approach to board education, supporting participants to build confidence and capability in their governance roles.
Information on the four modules, dates, and what to expect during and after the course.
