Board Development
Board Orientations
Joining a board can be scary. New board members will wonder what is expected of them, how they should relate to the Executive Director, what their responsibilities will be, what their role will be concerning program services, and how they fit in with the other board members.
Encompass can help make this transition smooth by developing a board orientation process for your organization by:
- Developing board member job descriptions
- Developing a board manual
- Creating a new board orientation training focused on the Board’s role
Board/Executive Director Role Clarification
In an effective organization, it is vital that the Executive Director and all Board Members understand their roles. If Executive Directors start setting board policies or if board members begin to get involved in staff decisions, havoc will follow. Encompass can clarify roles by:
- Reviewing Bylaws
- Defining the of role of the Executive Director & Board members
- Developing Board members’ expectations of the Executive Director
- Setting the Executive Director’s expectations of Board members
- Clarifying communication strategies
Board Manual Development
A Board Manual creates a structured place where Board members can keep all pertinent information regarding the organization. This can be both paper and electronic.
Depending on the organizations computer competence and resources, the manual should at a minimum include :
- Bylaws
- Mission Statement
- Strategic plan summary
- Meeting minutes
- Job descriptions of Board members
- Agency specific materials
Board Evaluations
How do you know that board members enjoy their service on the board? How do you know that they feel appreciated or understand how valuable their contribution is to the board?
Perhaps board members have suggestions that would make board meetings more productive. If Board members feel unimportant they will leave the and new Board members can be difficult to recruit. Encompass can help retain board members by:
- Developing a Board evaluation form
- Meeting with Board Members to solicit additional feedback
- Compiling responses
- Presenting results and next steps