Governance and Administration

Governance means doing what is necessary to help the board become a more effective governing entity.  It may encompass a number of components, both tangible and intangible.  Tangible components include questions related to board composition, board structure, board processes, and defining roles and responsibilities of board and staff. Intangible components include questions related to relationships, behavior, commitment, and culture. 

We help the board address one or more components in a workshop for board or committee members, or in a coaching or training session for the board chair, committee chairs, or the executive director.  We are careful not to attempt more than we can accomplish. Therefore, we may take on only one or two manageable issues before committing to move on to others.

Administration encompasses the management structure of the organization, and the relationship between staff (organizational managers) and board (those who set and exercise policy-oriented oversight).  We can help the organization implement appropriate board and staff roles and responsibilities.  

Components, Processes and Timing

Board Composition   We look at the number, skills, and talents of board members, recruitment and orientation, term limits, retirement, contributions, responsibilities, and evaluation.  

Board Structure   We review the organization’s committee structure, the use of work groups and task forces, and the roles and responsibilities of officers and committee chairs.  

Board Processes   Are board and staff working toward monthly and annual goals? How does this work gets done?  We might take a hard look at board and committee meetings – their frequency and content, agenda-setting, attendance, and what is accomplished. 

Roles and Responsibilities   Are board members keenly aware of their fiduciary, fiscal, and legal responsibilities and limitations.  Is a board manual kept current and brought to meetings?  

Relationships between and among board members, between the board chair and the executive director, between board members and staff, and between and among staff should be open and effective.  Are board and staff aligned on goals, and does staff feel empowered and supported? 

Intangibles, such as board member behavior, an atmosphere of mutual respect between board and staff, commitment and enthusiasm, and clarity regarding expectations can be very important.  Examining the culture of the organization can reveal, for example, whether this nonprofit is respected, is known for having a clear mission and for adhering to its guiding principles, and has energy, pride, and accountability. 

Ultimately, governance and administration issues come from and are worked out by the organization, with solutions that match its culture and goals.  In most cases, there is no clear-cut right or wrong way for a board to govern effectively, or for board, staff, and volunteers to divide their responsibilities appropriately.  There must, however, be a focus on what matters most to the organization and its future.  ESC's  job is to make sure that the organization focuses on results that matter to it and on procedures and policies that improve its ability to accomplish those results.  

Deliverables

Depending on the scope of the engagement, we can help our client with:

• Board member selection, solicitation, and orientation
• Organizational structure 
• Job descriptions for board and staff 
• Guidelines for committee chairs, board chairs, and board officers 
• Agenda planning and management 
• Board manual 
• Intangibles