Effective board inductions

Before you even start recruiting for new board members, 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.

More induction resources by ICDA

A board manual is not only a useful tool for the board's induction process but can also serve as a…

So a good induction program is a must in order for your group to get the most out of the investment…

It is important to start your board's relationship with a new member on a positive note. Some…