Quick Board Assessment

This 6 question quick assessment may only just start you thinking about the important work of your board. A thorough and detailed assessment is normally step ONE for board development. But why not start with this one!

Question 1: Governance Model How would you rate your board in respect to being a high functioning policy (Carver model) board? Our board doesn’t always have a clear understanding of what we are doing and how we should work. Our board tends to be more managing operations and less policy setting and future direction. Our board roles and responsibilities are clear and we leave managing to staff.

Question 2: Governance Practices How would you rate your board regarding setting and keeping policies and holding your ED/CEO accountable? Our board manages work as it rises. Our board struggles setting policy and holding the ED/CEO accountable. Our board ensures compliance with policies and holds the ED/CEO accountable.

Question 3: Board Meetings How would you rate the productivity of your board meetings? Our meetings tend to be casual, and I don’t always feel like we are very productive. Our meetings tend to be long and could be more productive Our meetings are well-planned and important agenda items are fully dealt with within the time constraints.

Question 4: Strategic Planning How would you rate your board’s work with respect to setting strategic planning and evaluating completion? Our board does not work on strategy. Our board adopts the strategic plan presented by the ED/CEO. Our board drives strategic planning with the ED/CEO and evaluates accomplishments.

Question 5: Financial Responsibility How would you rate your board’s work in relation to overseeing the budgetary process and complying with all financial regulations? Our board works very little with the finances of the organization. Our board rubber stamps the budget and financial reports. Our board approves the budget and ensures compliance with all financial reporting.

Question 6: Recruiting and onboarding members. How would you rate how your board recruits and orients new board members? Our board does not intentionally recruit or provide orientation for new members. Our board's recruitment and orientation of new members needs improvement. Our board refreshes itself with strong recruitment and provides good orientation for new members.

How do you rate your Board?