Effective inductions
Before you even start recruiting, make sure you've done the following to prepare a good induction.
- Involved all board members (and staff, where appropriate) in the induction of new members
- Acted quickly to start the induction process, without overloading the new member with too much information
- Allocated each new member a "mentor" to help guide them in their first few months on the board
- Given the new member a board manual and invited them to ask questions
- Introduced the new member to other members of the board and senior staff
- Organised a social function to allow the new board to meet informally
- Drawn the new members' attention to their roles and responsibilities and answered any queries they may have
- Reinforced expectations of standards/code of conduct/Board Charter
- Briefed the new member about what issues the board is dealing with now and will be looking at in coming months
- Provided a contact list for members of the board and senior management
- Provided a Board Calendar
- Provided a list of key stakeholders
- Provided and explained administration and technology
- Provided acronyms/language
- Asked what additional information, if any, the new board member requires
- Asked if any training may be required
- Taken the new board member on a tour of your facilities and programs
- Asked the new board member to comment on their induction process, and used the information to help improve the process for the future