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Governance

State of the Board Survey

HOW ARE WE DOING ON THESE FACTORS WHICH HELP MAKE A BOARD EFFECTIVE?

	Yes/Good	Could be Better	Not Yet Happening
1. The organization has a clear writtenstatement of its purpose or mission, easyfor all to find.
2. The organization has a set of writtenbylaws which clearly spell out how theboard will transact its business.
3. The board has been made aware of itsresponsibilities for: a) governing the organization b) legal liability c) obtaining funds d) deciding on policy, programs, planningand use of funds e) for hiring/firing top staff f) for a yearly financial audit
4. The board has a varied compositionincluding: a) users of the organization's service b) neighbourhood residents c) men and women d) experts and interested persons e) representatives of special groupswhich have an interest in theorganization's services
	Yes/Good	Could be Better	Not Yet Happening
5. New board members are: a) given orientation and training b) assigned an experienced "buddy"
6. The board reviews its goals, its work and its own structure every year.
7. The board has working committees/groups through which action is channeled.
8.Committee assignments and responsibilities are in writing. term task group basis. They don't go on forever.
9. A nominating committee asks for suggestions from staff, board, clients/users and other resource people in preparing nominations for the board.
10.The organization always has a list of potential board members for the future.
	Yes/Good	Could be Better	Not Yet Happening
11. There is a written statement of qualifications for new board members.
12. There is a balance of experienced and new board members to guarantee both continuity and new ideas.
13. There is a plan which limits the time a person can remain on the board, ensuring regular spaces for new members.
14. Morale of board and staff is high.
15. We work well together as a team.
16. We can criticize each other constructively.
17.There is a board Manual given to each new board member which explains their duties and responsibilities as well as other important information.
18.The board Manual is updated annually. carefully recruited, trained, supported and recognized for their efforts.
19. Board and staff members take part in appropriate training and development activities within the organization and in the community.
20. There is a clear understanding of what board member tasks are and what staff tasks are - and the difference between the two.
	Yes/Good	Could be Better	Not Yet Happening
21. Meetings are efficient and don't usually last longer than the agreed upon time.
22. Meetings begin on time and follow an agenda which everyone has.
23. We get minutes, background information and study documents well enough in advance of meetings to be useful.
24. Meetings of the board include free and wide ranging discussion with full participation, respect for different opinions and creative, shared decision making.
25. Board meetings deal most with setting policy, reviewing plans and evaluating the work of the organization rather than day to-day operating matters.
26. Regular reports of committee work are made to the board.
27. The board helps to secure financial support for the organization.
28. We keep up with local, provincial and national trends/concerns which are within our organization's field of interest and service.
Adapted from "Board Basics" United Way of Canada

How Are We Doing?

1. When I was asked to serve on this board, I understood my role was:

2. I was asked to serve on this board because:

3. Before I joined the board, I wish someone had told me:

4. I would feel more effective as a board member if:

5. The major problem facing our board is:

6. What I like best about our board meetings are:

7. What I dislike most about our board meetings are:

8. To improve our board I think we should:

From Partners Plus "The Group Member's Handbook", Marilyn MacKenzie and Gail Moore.

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