There are seven rules of good governance. Each is critical. The rules relate to the role and practice of the board itself, and the role and practice of the CEO and his/her team. If any one of the rules is ignored, the health of the body and its longer-term future will be jeopardised. A grasp of the movement’s history and values is key to staying aligned to the original purpose of the charity. There are skills and experience which are critical for the board, and which the board cannot be without. How does the board select new members when vacancies arise? What should the board look for when appointing a new CEO? Each member of the board must grasp the history, values and mission of the organization. This is a vital checklist for all who serve as CEOs or on boards. These are transferable principles for church councils.