Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many organisations have evaluated their governance practices using the Investing in Governance board evaluation framework?
A: The Investing in Governance board framework has been developed with five organisations as part of the author's MBA research programme and includes a national disability charity, Vitalise; Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice in Surrey; and three local voluntary organisations based in Wandsworth, Kensington & Chelsea, and Sutton in Surrey.
Since 1st October 2008 more charities are starting to use Investing in Governance each day.
Q: what type of voluntary organisation would benefit from assessing their governance practices using investing in governance?
A: Investing in Governance is suitable for any voluntary and community organisation or social enterprise which has a board of trustees (or equivalent) for governing the organisation.
Q: How should you carry out a board evaluation?
A: There are 7 steps to ensuring a successful board review:
- The board agrees to evaluate its governance practices;
- Investing in Governance framework is circulated to all board members;
- All board members complete the evaluation;
- The results of each board member’s evaluation are collated and the results shared;
- The collated evaluation results are discussed at a board meeting;
- A plan of action for addressing any gaps in board practice is discussed and agreed by the board;
- An impact assessment of the action plan is carried out 6 to 12 months after its implementation.
Q: What are the benefits of carrying out a board review?
A: Some boards find externally facilitated evaluation uncomfortable to deal with. The self-assessment route, using the Investing in Governance framework, is easy to use and can be a lot more cost-effective.
If you then decide to go through with the Investing in Governance quality mark, you then have a better understanding of your board's strengths and weaknesses before our Governance Coaches start working with you.
