Last updated: 6 March, 2002 I. Board of Directors/Governance II. Human Resources Management III. Financial Management IV. Strategic Planning V. Collaboratives/Partnerships VI. Outcomes and Quality Improvement VII. Information Technology Management VIII. Fundraising IX. Marketing Bibliography I. Board of Directors/Governance The Board determines the organization's mission, sets policy, and assesses and approves programs and services that are appropriate to that mission. Best Practices Suggestions for Achieving Best Practices 1. Board annually reviews the organization's mission. 1.1 The Executive Director, Board and other leadership define, focus on, and annually review the organization's mission and purpose. 2. Board sets and monitors policies and attends to emerging policy issues. 2.1 The Board sets and reviews organizational policies to ensure specific outcomes and organizational safeguards are achieved. 3. Board reviews reports on programs and services that demonstrate links to organization purpose and tracks progress toward desired outcomes. 3 .1 The Executive Director, Board and other leadership regularly review programs and services to ensure that they are tied to specific outcomes. Board membership is well managed. Best Practices Suggestions for Achieving Best Practices 1. Staff support the Board and its committees in order to maintain interest, commitment, and productivity of members. 1.1 Executive Director and Board leadership find ways to sustain maximum Board attendance, through development of compelling agendas and presentations, recognition and appreciation of service, and incentives to participation. 1.2 Executive Director and Board leadership develop a well-defined structure of effective Board committees and outside advisory committees which have a clear purpose and task. 1.3 Executive Director ensures that there is consistent staff support for Board committees and other activities. 2 Board members receive orientation regarding Board member responsibilities, legal requirements, and conflict of interest. 2.1 Executive Director and Board leadership understand legal requirements and restrictions and communicate those effectively to the whole Board. 2.2 Board leadership develops and when necessary implements procedures for removal of non-compliant Board members. 3. Board members receive orientation and continuing education 3.1 Board leadership and Executive Director ensure that there are regular orientations and ongoing training opportunities for Board members, in areas such as team building, communication skills, fundraising, meeting management, public relations, marketing, and leadership and succession development. The Board ensures that the organization is in compliance with regulations affecting nonprofit organizations and has sound risk-management practices. Best Practices Suggestions for Achieving Best Practices 1. Executive Director provides the Board with information and consultation regarding risk management practices that apply to the organization. 1.1 Board leadership defines and applies the various bylaws and regulations (funding, program, health, audit, personnel and facility) that affect the organization's risks. 1.2 Executive Director and Board leadership identify appropriate types of liability and other insurance and benefit plans to meet the organizations needs, including facility management, professional services, personnel, health care, Employee Assistance Programs and D&O coverage. The Board holds itself accountable for raising money. Best Practices Suggestions for Achieving Best Practices 1. Board members are responsible for raising money and there are structures and support through which members may fulfill that responsibility. 1.1 Board leadership and Executive Director orient all new and current Board members to their role in fund development. 1.2 Board leadership develops a strategy for increasing Board involvement in fund development. The Board ensures effective fiscal management. Best Practices Suggestions for Achieving Best Practices 1. Board reviews financial reports that are accurate, easy to understand, and timely. 1.1 Executive Director ensures effective staff support to the finance committee, including the provision of reports that meet the committee's needs for financial information. 1.2 Board leadership defines Board roles in fiscal management and oversight, and identifies which Board members have the skills to provide that oversight. 2. Employees and volunteers are able to make a confidential report regarding suspected financial impropriety or misuse of organization resources. 2.1 Board leadership ensures that there is a procedure for confidential reporting of suspected improprieties. The Board represents the organization in the community. Best Practices Suggestions for Achieving Best Practices 1. Board members actively solicit input from the communities and constituencies they represent. 1.1 Executive Director and Board leadership develop processes for soliciting input from constituencies served and represented by the organization. (See also Strategic Planning) 2. Board members represent the organization to government, business, other agencies, funders, constituencies, and the community at large. 2.1 Executive Director ensures there are mechanisms for involving the Board in community outreach, in such areas as civic, political, governmental and community activities relevant to the needs of the organization. The Board represents the interests of the community to be served and brings the proper balance of expertise to the organization. Best Practices Suggestions for Achieving Best Practices 1. Board membership provides the skills required by the organization and reflects the community served. 1.1 Board leadership, such as a nominating committee, defines the criteria for strategically selecting Board members, based on experience, organizational needs and community representation. 1.2 Board leadership develops a process and timeline for Board recruitment based on the above criteria and needs. The Board ensures that the public has reasonable access to information about mission, activities, Board membership and basic financial data. Best Practices Suggestions for Achieving Best Practices 1. An annual report to inform the public is produced. 1.1 Executive Director and staff leadership prepare elements necessary for an annual report. 1.2 Executive Director and staff leadership communicate key organization information in writing in a way that is understandable to the public. 2. Orderly records are accessible to the public. 2.1 Executive Director organizes all appropriate documents in a file accessible for public review. The Board recruits, hires, sets salary, and evaluates the performance of the Executive Director and oversees succession of that position and other key staff. Best Practices Suggestions for Achieving Best Practices 1. Board performs annual review of Executive Director performance and sets goals for coming year. 1.1 Board leadership ensures that effective Executive Director evaluation process is in place and implemented. 2. A written policy is maintained regarding Board oversight of the ED and succession of key staff. 2.1 Board leadership identifies steps for succession appropriate to organization and writes a policy for Board approval. 3. The Board designs and implements process for hiring new ED when necessary. J. The Board maintains a good relationship with organization staff. Best Practices Suggestions for Achieving Best Practices 1. Board understands and maintains the policy-making role of the Board. 1.1 Executive Director and Board leadership identify strategies for helping Board members understand appropriate roles with respect to organization management, staff and operations, including possible conflicts of interest. 2. Board and staff communicate about organization and program issues. 2.1 Executive Director and Board leadership use effective coaching and communication strategies for building and sustaining positive Board/staff relationships. Back Back to top Next