HAP Board Meetings

 

 
 

Goal Directive

 
The board shall meet regularly to address matters of policy, strategic direction, organizational performance and community impact.

 

Indicators of Good Governance

  • The board meets regularly throughout the year, with a majority of directors in attendance.
  • Board candidates are formally selected with an emphasis on the skills needed to advance the work of the organization.
  • New directors receive comprehensive orientation after election to the board.
  • Ongoing training is provided regularly to the board to ensure effective service by directors.
  • The board maintains active involvement through rotation of duties and/or term limits.
  • Meetings deal primarily with policy formulation, and the review and evaluation of the work of the organization. Routine matters, requiring board action, but little discussion, are handled with dispatch.
  • The committee structure reflects the organization's strategic priorities, and changes, when necessary, to advance the mission. The absence of standing committees is not necessarily undesirable. Some boards operate well with ad hoc committees. The critical issue is the effectiveness of the board.
  • The board understands its legal obligations. A conflict of interest policy is reviewed periodically and signed annually by board members. It is aware of all federal, state and local obligations (and liabilities) which are applicable to the organization.

Sample Q & A Guide
 

Funders’ Questions For Nonprofits

 

 Best Board Practices

How often does the board meet?

 

The board meets at least three or four times per year. There is a preference for face-to-face meetings vs electronic interaction. If the board meets too often, it may be micro-managing the organization. A board that meets rarely tends to have little impact and oversight. In both cases board accountability for the organization is compromised.

Does the board practice the basic steps of board development, recruitment, orientation, training, and renewal?

 

Yes. There is a formal process of nominating and interviewing candidates, orienting and training new directors, and continued education of the board.

Are there term limits?

 

Term limits are in place and enforced, as part of an established commitment to maintain board effectiveness through renewal.

Does the board conduct annual or periodic self-evaluation? How are the results used?

 

There is periodic evaluation of board performance to assess membership composition, selection process, structure, satisfaction, turnover and overall performance. Results are used to develop a plan for further board development as warranted.

Does the board have a committee structure? Please describe. How do the committees operate in relation to the full board?

 

There are active standing and/or ad hoc committees that bring matters to the full board for discussion or approval at each meeting or on a regular basis. The board may use a consent agenda – or – the board operates on a model that mandates action by the full board.

How does the board manage its legal obligations? Are board members aware of their legal responsibilities to the organization? Is there an enforced conflict-of-interest policy?

 

All the relevant policies are in place and enforced, including a Conflict of Interest Policy which is reviewed and signed annually by each board member.