Ten key points about board & committee policy
- Purpose: Board and committee policies provide guidance and direction to govern the operations of the board and its committees. These policies ensure that the board operates efficiently and effectively, achieves its strategic objectives, and complies with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Scope: Board and committee policies cover a wide range of areas, including board structure and composition, committee formation, roles and responsibilities, meeting procedures, decision-making processes, and risk management.
- Development:
Board and committee policies should be developed with input from all stakeholders, including board members, committee members, staff, and legal counsel. Policies should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure their relevance and effectiveness.
- Adoption:
Board and committee policies should be formally adopted by the board or the relevant committee. The adoption process should include a vote by the members and a record of the vote in the minutes.
- Communication: Board and committee policies should be communicated clearly and effectively to all stakeholders. Policies should be readily accessible and easy to understand.
- Training: Board and committee policies should be supported by training and education programs. Board and committee members should receive regular training to ensure their understanding of the policies and their ability to implement them effectively.
- Enforcement:
Board and committee policies should be enforced consistently and fairly. Violations of policies should be addressed promptly and appropriately.
- Evaluation: Board and committee policies should be evaluated regularly to assess their effectiveness and relevance. The evaluation process should include feedback from all stakeholders.
- Revision: Board and committee policies should be revised as needed to reflect changes in the organization's environment, priorities, and strategies. Revisions should be made in consultation with all stakeholders.
- Accountability: Board and committee policies should hold all stakeholders accountable for their actions and decisions. Policies should define clear expectations, roles, and responsibilities for each stakeholder, and establish consequences for non-compliance.
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