Board Governance

Board Governance: What processes do we need to manage our employees?
Not for profit organizations operate in a variety of business models. Smaller organizations may have only one employee, a few employees or even no employees! Regardless of the number of employees, an organization should have human resource processes in place to support the organization’s compliance with reporting and legal requirements, and to ensure that activities...
Board Governance: What are the best practices around volunteer management?
Volunteers are passionate about the causes they support. The donation of time allows organizations, usually with limited financial resources, to increase its impact on the community. Volunteers represent your organization, and thus, it is prudent for the organization to develop policies and standard practices to manage volunteer activities. Some things to think about if you...
Board Governance: How do we set key performance indicators?
Organizations invest significant time and effort in setting its vision and mission, and preparing a strategic plan to achieve that mission. Key performance indicators (KPIs) are an excellent way to measure and monitor how the organization is performing. Tips to establishing KPIs for your organization The measures chosen should relate to financial performance, core activities,...
Board Governance: What is your role in fraud prevention?
Fraud is the act of deceiving someone or misrepresenting information to obtain personal or financial gain. Fraud occurs in organizations of all sizes, types and purposes, and when it occurs, it can have significant consequences, such as the loss of money or assets, a damaged reputation or uncertainty about future operations. The Board of Directors...
Board Governance: Why is effective budgeting important?
Organizations achieve its mission through executing a strategic plan. However, strategic plans tend to look forward three to five years, which can make it difficult to determine what activities should be undertaken today. A budget is used to break down the organization’s planned activities into smaller, more manageable pieces. Budgets are a “best guess” plan...
Board Governance: How do I find Board Members?
Typically, board members are appointed once a year at the annual meeting, however, board recruiting should be an ongoing activity. Most boards have specific terms for each position, and thus, boards can predict how many positions will need to be replaced at the next annual meeting. The first step in recruiting is determining what positions...
Board Governance: How big should our board be?
The simple answer is it depends. The purpose of a board of directors is to oversee the activities of the organization, and these activities can vary greatly between organizations. Boards that are too large may take more time to debate and decide on a matter, and those that are too small may be overburdened by...
Board Governance: How often should we review our policies?
Board of Directors use policy to communicate the permissions, limitations and standards of behavior for the Chief Executive Officer or Executive Director. This tool allows the Board to manage risks within the organization without requiring “hands on” attention. Any activities not covered by policy, or not allowed by policy will be automatically routed back to...