Jean Roberts

Governance Kit 1: clarifying the roles and responsibilities of nonprofit Board Members, and self-appraisal of their performance

Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of nonprofit Board Members,
and self-appraisal of their performance

Email jean@jeanroberts.com.au if you would like a free pdf of this publication.

This Governance Kit, the first in a series of three, clarifies the roles and responsibilities of non-profit Board Members and enables the self-appraisal of their performance.

Full notes and worksheets, with four alternatives offered and explained to guide Board/Committee members in appraising their own performance as the governing body.

Contents

Section 1: An overview of a nonprofit organisation as a legal entity
Why are nonprofit organisations incorporated?
Outline of relationship between Governance, Management and Operation Constitution
Discussion Worksheet 1: Familiarity with our Constitution

Section 2: What is this thing called ‘Governance?’
Practical interpretation of governance
Board’s accountabilities as the governing body
Legal responsibilities of the Board
Legal duties of Board members
Power and authority vested in the position of Board member and in the Board as a whole
Ethical responsibilities of Board members
Conflict of Interest
Discussion Worksheet 2: Familiarity and comfort with Governance

Section 3: How does Management differ from Governance?
Position of CEO is a professional career position
CEO’s relationship with the Board
CEO as the link between Governance and Management
Discussion Worksheet 3: Relationship between Governance and Management

Section 4: Roles and Responsibilities of the Governing Body
The Board’s role
The Board’s responsibilities
The Board’s accountabilities
Board Member functions
Board functions
Board decision-making
Board Member effectiveness
Executive roles of the Board
Ordinary Board Member role

Section 5: Board meetings
General comment on minutes and agenda

Section 6: Board Self-appraisal
Board Member Job Satisfaction
Effective Board self-appraisal
Option 1: Board Member Recruitment and Orientation Checklist
Discussion Worksheet 4: for Option 1
Option 2: Board Structure and Process Performance Indicators and Objectives
Discussion Worksheet 5: for Option 2
Option 3: Relevant Governance and Management Standards
Discussion Worksheet 6: for Option 3
Option 4: Board Members’ Checklist
Discussion Worksheet 7: for Option 4

Reporting on the value of your Board’s performance in your Annual Report