TOOLS FOR IDENTIFYING, RECRUITING AND DEVELOPING A BOARD

 AREAS TO BE COVERED IN BOARD ORIENTATION PROCESS

Providing new Board members with the information they need to perform effectively is the next critical step in developing an effective Board. The Board should be well-informed one with the knowledge needed to lead an organization effectively. A well designed orientation process is necessary in order to provide the new Board members with necessary information. Board orientation is basically to provide the organization specific information in order to be effective particularly as a member of the Organization's Board.

In this blog "Areas to be covered in Board Orientation Process", we provide a deep insight as to what is a Board Orientation Process, its importance and how structured the orientation process should be.

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Please share your views on this. Does an Orientation Process necessary for creating effective Board members? Are there some more areas that you would like to include in your Board Orientation Process?

TOOLS FOR IDENTIFYING, RECRUITING AND DEVELOPING A BOARD

BOARD MEMBERS COMMITMENT SHEET

It has been seen that in many Organizations the Board processes are not formally documented in a systematic way. The various processes, right from identifying to recruiting and developing the Board are quite critical to an organization’s Governance. It needs to be recognized that membership in any Board is a formal & legal process and therefore there is a need to document it carefully.

Board member when appointed takes up his/her roles & responsibility with the understanding to be effective and being committed towards the Vision & Mission of the Organization. However, this implicit Commitment does not get expressed formally many times in written form. Therefore, in order to uphold the mutual accountability, a Board members Commitment sheet needs to be signed. “Board members Commitment sheet is both a legal as well as a moral document. It is a charter between the Organization and the Board members to fulfill certain responsibilities and stay accountable to each other”.

This tool box re-emphasizes the need to document the recruitment process in a systematic manner and also explains how to do it.

For reading the complete article on "Board Members Commitment Sheet", click here

What are your views regarding Board members Commitment sheet? Are they necessary for strengthening the Governance of an Organization or merely they will increase the pile of documents stacked in your files? Please share your views with us.

TOOLS FOR IDENTIFYING, RECRUITING AND DEVELOPING A BOARD

WHAT MATERIALS TO BE SHARED WITH THE BOARD MEMBERS

It is important to ensure that new Board members have adequate information to become familiar with the organization they are to govern as responsible Board members/trustees. This would enable them to understand their role and any expectations clearly. The key information, that needs to be made available to them are Vision, mission, values, objective, principles, significant policies & procedures, relevant legal & financial information.

A well-designed induction programme is essential in helping new members to make relevant contribution to their work on the Board. At the same time all Board members should receive ongoing support and information from the management so that they can develop their understanding of the overall environment within which they work. The existing Board members should undertake a more active role in working with newly-appointed Board members, to ensure that they are aware of the expectations for the Board and that the key responsibilities and relationships are well understood.

To provide comprehensive information on the activities of the organization and its wider implications of operations etc, some of the important material may be shared with the Board.

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Are these materials discussed here are sufficient for The Board Members to understand their role & responsibilities or are there some more materials which you would like to share with us? Please leave your comments.

TOOLS FOR IDENTIFYING, RECRUITING AND DEVELOPING A BOARD

CHARACTERISTICS OF BOARD MEMBERS

Governance may be defined as “a transparent decision making process in which leadership of an organization, in an effective and accountable way, direct resources and exercises power on basis of shared value.” (Handbook on NGO Governance; Marylin Wyatt).  The overall goal of governance is to ensure that the objectives of the organization are achieved and the interest of various Stakeholders is protected. It has been said that proper governance requires the Board to stand outside the organization and hold it accountable to the Stakeholders interest. Board Members play a role of catalyst in facilitating the Organization to achieve its desired objectives.

Are board members primarily fundraisers? Cheerleaders? A rubber stamp to legitimize the actions and decisions of the management? Do they run the organization? Are they window-dressing the organization or are they seriously governing? How many meetings they attend? How do they know whether they are doing a good job, or when it is time to go? There are some of the questions which remain unanswered. Non-profit governance places high demands on board members since NPOs are accountable to a very complex and multiple stakeholder groups. This tool box will discuss about the desirable characteristics/ qualities that are to be looked in for selecting Board Members.

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What qualities would you look for in a Board Member? Please Share your views.