There are many different types of board policies an organisation can have as well as many different policy models and frameworks to build them on. Irrespective of which model or framework you use the one major factor is to ensure that the policies reflect the nature of the organisation and how the board intends to achieve its objectives.

For example, we know that Robin Hood had a policy of taking from the rich and giving to the poor.  We also know that he didn’t take from all of the rich. He was selective so therefore he must have had a policy on that.  He would also have needed a policy on how to do the actual taking and distributing.  He didn’t give the money to everyone.  Your not for profit organisation would be in a similar position.  Not everyone will qualify for your support.

 

Therefore, the different types of board policies could relate to any number of areas.  For example, you may have policies on:

  • Governance:  These detail how the board operates and governs the organisation.
  • Finance:  These can include policies on the budget process, financial delegations, investment strategies, fundraising, bank accounts, petty cash and asset management.
  • Risk Management:  These focus on managing the risk of the organisation and can relate to insurance, fraud controls, internet security, business continuity and safety issues.
  • Human Resources:  These can include policies on recruitment, staff evaluations, equal opportunity, bullying, sexual harassment, types of leave and volunteers.
  • Position Policies:  Your organisation may have a specific cause or position it supports so having policies that reflect these can be important.
  • Communication:   Having policies that relate to press releases, how you manage newsletters, publications, photographs and copyright issues can be critical.  These policies should also cover website content, the use of social media and protocols for emails.
  • Administration:  These policies may relate to filing and record keeping systems, privacy policies, archiving, offsite storage, IT back up, staff facilities, purchasing policies and contract management.

These are just a few areas to consider but there are many more that can be prepared that are based on your organisation and the activities it undertakes.  A sporting club may have specific policies around event management or a kindergarten may have policies around child safety, food handling and the wearing of hats on sunny days.

This is also why it is important not to simply grab a copy of a set of policies from a similar type of organisation and just use them.

Your policies must suit the needs of your organisation.  What policies should you have?