performance reviewWhen was the last time the Board undertook a performance review?

Many not for profits organisations don’t do any form of review or assessment of the Board.  A performance review should take place at least once a year and in some cases, as often as every three months.  It can be a regular agenda item that provides an opportunity for the Board to discuss and review its performance.

The main reason for the performance review is to undertake an assessment of how the Board operates as group as well as how each Board member has participated and contributed.

Importantly, this process should not be done in a way that threatens or criticises the Board members.

It is intended as a form of self-assessment to identify strengths and weaknesses so that a plan can be implemented to address any issues that have been identified. 

For example, these issues could include:

  • The need to recruit new or additional Board members with certain skills.
  • The development of a training and professional development plan for the Board and each Board member.  This may involve training in areas such as financial management, policy development, governance issues or strategic planning.
  • Providing clarification about the roles and responsibilities of being a Board member.
  • Ensuring the strategic plan is properly written, is effective, and has clear objectives such that the performance can be measured against.

The importance of the performance review process is that is can assist with the retention of existing Board members as they are being provided with better support.  Furthermore, it can also assist with recruiting the right people for the Board as any gaps that may have been identified can be targeted when there is a need to recruit new Board members.