The Board, as the highest policy setting governing body, plays a vital role in ensuring the progress and growth of the organisation it is overseeing through good governance. Board Governance (BG) services aims to help NPO Boards enhance their governance functions through the adoption of recommended non-profit governance principles and practices. SNP consultancy team work in collaboration with your Boards to customise tools and workshops to meet your unique needs and requirements.
SSTI School of Non-Profits has adapted the systematic “Board Building Cycle” framework from BoardSource, USA. The “Board Building Cycle” presents an overview and a roadmap to the development of an effective governing Board. It is also an on-going systematic guide for Board members to follow from beginning till end of a Board term.
The 9-step cycle framework is outlined as follows:
 Periodical and systematic evaluation of a Board’s own performance has been recognised as one of the most significant ways for a Board to strengthen its performance. A Board Self-Assessment Questionnaire, to be answered by Board members themselves, can help the Board to reflect on how well it is meeting its responsibilities. The survey questionnaire will take about 30-40 minutes to complete, after which the SSTI team will analyse the survey findings and draw up a report on the findings with recommendations for the Board’s consideration. It is recommended that the results of the survey be discussed at a Board Retreat/ Reflection Session dedicated to the findings of the survey and discussion of ways to strengthen the Board’s performance.
Who will it benefit?
Suitable for a Board that has completed at least a year of serving together for an evaluation of the past year’s performance and discussion of future improvements. It is estimated that such engagement will be completed within 3 to 4 months with the SNP team. Commitment from the Board to participate in the survey and reflection session is imperative towards the success of such a project.
 A Board Policy Manual serves as a useful tool to orientate and facilitate Board members in their functions on the Board. It provides Board members with the essential information including the vision and mission statements, policies and guidelines that chart the course of actions and establish the objectives for the operation and services of the VWO. It is where clearly written roles and responsibilities of the Board can be documented for reference of every Board member. Each Board member should preferably be given a Board Policy Manual from the start of his/ her term of service to ensure that all of them have the necessary reference information to carry out their governance roles on the Board. The Board Policy Manual can be reviewed and updated annually to ensure its relevance and usefulness.
Who will it benefit?
Suitable for any Board who does not already have an existing Board Policy Manual or want to enhance the current documentation. It is recommended to be done before the start of the term of service of a new Board. It is estimated that such a consultancy engagement can be completed within 3 to 6 months. SSTI has the expertise to craft the section on board governance principles and job descriptions of Board members and office bearers. Commitment from the Board and NPOs’ staff to provide and gather relevant information is required to achieve the objectives of such a project.
 The Board Profiling Worksheet is a useful tool in the nominating process for new Board members. The worksheet enables the Board to systematically consider the current characteristics and expertise of its current members and what other gaps need to be filled or replaced through its Board recruitment process. The worksheet can help NPOs to profile and check to gear towards having a composition of members with diverse skills and attributes to complement the Board as a whole.
Who will it benefit?
Useful for Boards committed to the important role of Board succession planning. It is most suitable before the next election/ appointment of a new Board. SSTI can provide the adapted worksheet and advise on its use and issues to take note of. The engagement can be completed within 2 to 3 months.
For more information, please contact:
Ms Joanne Teo
DID: 6210 6655
Email: Joanne_Teo@ncss.gov.sg
Mr Andrew SL Tan
DID: 6210 6656
Email: Andrew_SL_Tan@ncss.gov.sg
|