Try this self-assessment quiz. You can use the results to assess your board's strengths and weaknesses, or as a basis for a more formal board evaluation process. Try taking the quiz as individual board members and then come together as a group to compare your results.
Strongly Agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
The size of the board is optimal for the role it fulfills
Board members are neither too busy nor
bored.
Each board member has their own unique skills and experience.
Board members complement each other well.
Board members are loosely representative of
the stakeholders the board serves, taking into account
gender, ages, cultures, etc. A diversity policy and/or
strategy are in place to address any gaps.
Policies are well-articulated.
Policies are clearly
understood and strictly adhered to.
Board members are conversant with and strongly
committed to the organisation's mission and vision.
The mission and vision are thoughtfully reviewed from time to time.
Meeting papers are relevant and logically presented and
distributed well before meetings.
Board members are diligent about preparing for
meetings and reviewing meeting minutes for inaccuracies.
Meetings are held on schedule and all business is
dealt with thoroughly without the need to regularly run over time.
All board members are regular attendees at ordinary,
committee and annual general meetings.
All board members are thoughtful participants in
debates and respectful of each other's opinions.
Meeting rules are widely understood and strictly adhered to.
Committees and sub-committees are well-focused and
provide a useful adjunct to the full board.
Board members are fully informed of all relevant
information relating to the community group they serve.
The board has in place both short-term and long-term
goals and strategies to provide direction.
There are clear expectations of the contribution and
commitment required of board members, articulated in a
formal written job description.
All new board members are subject to a thorough
induction process.
Board members are fully aware of the division of
roles between the board and the staff and do not stray
into operational territory.
The board is led by a competent, efficient and inspiring chair.
The board has given professional, thoughtful
consideration to the recruitment of the CEO and
is diligent in monitoring his/her performance, providing
feedback where necessary.
Strict procedures are in place to ensure the
organisation's financial status is reported in full to
the board at regular intervals.
The board keeps a vigilant eye on the organisation's
finances, requesting information when required and taking
swift steps to remedy any potential or real problems that arise.
An audit is undertaken annually.
Procedures are in place to ensure that all board
members are aware of their ethical, legal and financial
responsibilities. Updates are provided when appropriate.
Board members and the board as a whole adhere
to all state/territory and federal laws.
Ongoing training of board members is a priority.
The board is a willing and effective participant
in the organisation's fundraising strategy.
Board members happily and competently
lend to their board role their range of skills and experience.
The board has good standing in the wider community.
The board works to educate the community
about the role and mission of the organisation. It brings
the views of the wider community back to the board table.
Risk management is a high priority for the board.
The board is aware of its responsibilities to
its stakeholders and conducts its business, where
possible, openly and transparently.
The board is marked by a culture of self-improvement,
regularly carrying out board building and assessment activities.
The board has an effective succession plan in place
to ensure institutional knowledge is preserved.
An ongoing and effective recruitment strategy
is in place to identify and nurture potential new board
members. Board rejuvenation takes place periodically
and painlessly.
The board is not spooked by internal or external
changes but is able to respond quickly and effectively.
A culture of honesty and disclosure is encouraged
among the board and throughout the organisation.
The board is well led but not dominated by one
person or a group of people. All views are treated equally.
Decisions are made in a timely manner and publicly
supported by all board members – including those whose
views may have been overridden.
Board members are aware of their duty to the
organisation and put this duty before obligations to any
other interests. Conflicts of interest are disclosed and
dealt with swiftly and appropriately.
The board works well as a team, with personal
differences set aside for the sake of the community group.
The board has an entrepreneurial culture and members
actively search for new opportunities for their community group.
What now?
Use the results of this quiz to work out what areas of your board could use a boost. Look for other help sheets that might assist you in tackling these problems.
