WORKING WITH BOARDS
Making the best of boards
Working with a board of directors or trustees can be both rewarding and challenging. Having the right tools and information can make your relationship with your board more responsive and healthy.
BEST PRACTICES FOR BOARDS
BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES
Nonprofit boards have some essential duties. Duties, and other governance information, are outlined in the bylaws. Essentially, they have a “duty of care,” a “duty of loyalty,” and a “duty of obedience.” These duties mean that boards work to make sure the organization has what it needs to stay healthy and that its decisions and actions are always to the benefit of the mission. And lastly, the board’s actions are within and guided by local, state, and federal laws.
Boards also fill another important role: the advocate for the organization. Board members can be an additional voice for your organization out in the community. To help them fulfill this role, board members should receive training or education about the organization and what being an advocate means.
Need help developing a board training program? Contact us for assistance in creating a great board.
WHAT IS BOARD GOVERNANCE?
Board governance, by definition, encompasses those best practices that ensure that a board understands its role and responsibilities. These practices may mean hiring a competent director, evaluating policies, completing fiduciary actions, and being transparent with the work it completes.
Board governance can also mean following the theory of Dr. John Carver. His theory on board governance "enables the board to focus on the larger issues, to delegate with clarity, to control management's job without meddling, to rigorously evaluate the accomplishment of the organization; to truly lead its organization." (https://www.carvergovernance.com/model.htm)
Madrina Consulting can help you get your board organized to meet their responsibilities and support the organization's success.
WHAT A BOARD NEEDS
When you are responsible for developing your board and recruiting new members, you want people who believe in your mission. But beyond that, who do you invite to work on your board?
It is crucial to determine your organization's and board's needs. Perhaps the board will benefit from finance expertise, marketing expertise, or maybe even a great public speaker. Don’t forget to keep Diversity and Inclusion as a necessary goal for your board.
To be the most effective, your board members should fill roles that will make your organization stronger and be an advocate for your mission. One way to start this process is to complete a board audit and develop a tool to make finding candidates more intentional.
Madrina Consulting will work with you to complete a board audit and provide the tools to recruit board members. Contact us today to learn more.