Some Options to Consider

We do this now

Let's do this

Let's not do this

Does not apply

1.

Written descriptions of the role of board members (individual role and role for the board itself)

2.

Written job descriptions of each committee, chair, etc.

3.

Bylaw requirement for rotation of board members (term limits)

4.

Bylaw authority to create advisory groups

5.

Bylaw authority to appoint some non-directors on some committees

6.

Authority for board/CEO to appoint ad hoc task forces

7.

Annual affirmations of responsibilities/commitments signed by all board members

8.

Written conflict of interest statement for board members

9.

Use of Board Development Committee for nominations, orientation, training, evaluation of board

10.

Assignments for pre-election orientation of new board members

11.

Annual board self-evaluation process

12.

Board Reference Book (portable notebook for bylaws, budget, lists, etc.)

13.

Board Policies Manual (all ongoing policies in one document)

14.

Plan for ongoing director training and development

15.

Meeting calendar set two years in advance

16.

Chairman and CEO meet to agree on agenda/advance information, reports, etc.

17.

Written agendas/info sent out in advance of all meetings

18.

Time limitations on some agenda items

19.

Executive session (no staff) at every meeting

20.

Minutes mailed within two weeks of each meeting

21.

If an Exec Committee, its minutes are mailed to full board

22.

Bylaws reviewed annually

23.

Have the practice that board committees do board (not staff) work

24.

CEO provides useful information to board on a regular schedule

25.

Board does thorough, fair CEO evaluation annually

26.

Have a Board "alumni council" (lifetime for trustees who served 9 or more years)

27.

Written expectation that all board members be annual donors of record

28.

Board policies that put parameters around staff activities

29.

No staff on the Board, except the CEO who is ex officio and without vote

30.

CEO periodically meets privately with all board members

31.

Financial reports customized for board (trends, graphs, comparisons with other organizations, etc.)

32.

Annual retreat for evaluation and board planning

33.

Use of telephone conference calls to save time/money

34.

Chairman and CEO are not the same person

35.

Annual financial audit by external firm

36.

External legal audit every 3-5 years

37.

External governance/CEO assessment every 3-5 years

38.

Send officers to board development seminar/conferences

39.

Appoint a board "mentor" to observe meetings

40.

Qualify for an external "watch dog" agency approval

41.

Have library of resources on good governance

42.

Mission and values statements reviewed annually

43.

Board member service is given formal recognition

44.

Staff for committees know job assignments

45.

Board has a CEO succession/transition policy

46.

CEO compensation set by board based on salary surveys

47.

CEO spouse is honored and paid if doing work

48.

All board members evaluated before re-appointment

49.

A clear statement of which biblical precepts drive the ministry

50.

The organization's performance is measured/tracked