Why should I conduct a Self-Assessment of the Board?
How does a Self-Assessment of the Board work?
What topics does it cover?
What is an Interpretive Memo?
What would the Self-Assessment Retreat entail?
What self-assessment options does BoardSource offer?
What are the benefits of the online version of the Self-Assessment of the Board?
A self-assessment allows board members to step back from routine governance matters and candidly reflect on how well the board is meeting its responsibilities. It helps your board discover areas for improvement, and establish a common understanding of its roles and responsibilities. It establishes a platform for setting and attaining important board priorities, and motivates your board members - individually and collectively - to work effectively for the benefit of the organization and those it serves.
By discussing the results of the Self-Assessment of the Board at a retreat dedicated exclusively to reviewing the survey responses, you will better understand what is working well and identify ways in which to strengthen your board's performance. When properly conducted, a board self-assessment offers tangible and intangible benefits to the participating board members, the chief executive, the organization they govern and assist, and, ultimately, the people the organization serves.
The self-assessment consists of a survey and a report on the results of the survey, which serves as a starting point for a discussion and determination of next steps from the results. The self-assessment is available in both online and print formats. The initial detailed questionnaire should take your board members approximately 30-60 minutes to complete. To encourage candor, participants will not include their names. All responses will be confidential and will be aggregated before the results are distributed.
Each section begins with the description of a key board responsibility (for examples, read What Topics Does It Cover?). Participants will be asked to evaluate their satisfaction with the board's performance in that area by selecting an answer ranging on a scale from 1 to 4, with one representing "very dissatisfied" and 4 representing "very satisfied." Participants will also have the option of answer "not sure" and "not applicable." Each section also ends with the question, "How can the board do better in this area?" This gives participants the opportunity to respond with personal comments, ideas and suggestions. This section is often the richest part of results because it reveals what board members are often reluctant to articulate in the boardroom - an essential part of making sure everyone's individual voices are heard.
The questionnaire is divided into thirteen sections, each focusing in a different area of responsibility:
While most of the questionnaire focuses on assessing the board as a whole, the questionnaire also includes an individual self-evaluation. The purpose of the individual evaluation is to give participants the opportunity to improve their own effectiveness as a board member.
The online version of The Self-Assessment of the Board is available in versions specifically designed for foundations, nonprofit governing boards, family foundations, community foundations and associations. The print version of The Self-Assessment of the Board is available in versions specifically designed for nonprofit governing boards and foundations.
Once the questionnaire is completed, a BoardSource consultant, expert in the field of governance, will analyze the summary results and write a qualitative analysis of the results. Through this memo, the consultant provides a detailed examination of the organization's strengths and areas perceived by the board to need improvement, presenting an explanation of the survey results and an overall look at the board's effectiveness. The Interpretive Memo provides an unbiased, expert view on how to take your board to the next level of governance understanding and improvement.
After your board has completed the Self-Assessment of the Board and has reviewed the Interpretive Memo, turn these results into an action plan by inviting a BoardSource consultant to objectively facilitate a retreat at your location. The consultant will facilitate a dialogue with your board about the indicated areas in need of improvement helping to develop an action plan for implementing the strategies to be undertaken in order to build a dynamic and effective board. Consultants use small-group discussions, team-building exercises, and hands-on activities to engage your board members and determine steps to reach your self-assessment goals.
BoardSource offers online assessments created specifically for nonprofits, and associations. Additionally, you can also hire a BoardSource Governance expert to analyze your self-assessment results and write an interpretive memo on the findings. You may want also to engage a BoardSource consultant to facilitate a self-assessment retreat to review findings and identify action steps.
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Product |
Member Price |
Regular Price |
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$669 |
$999 |
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$899 |
$1,199 |
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Print Self-Assessment of the Board (Nonprofit Governing Boards or Foundations) |
$209 |
$259 |
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Narrative review of results and analysis of responses for print* and online Self Assessment of the Board (*additional fees apply to tally print results) |
$750 |
$750 |
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Customization of Online Self-Assessment of the Board |
Call for Details |
Call for Details |
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Self-Assessment Retreat with consultant as objective facilitator to review findings and identify action steps in addition to written narrative of results and analysis of self assessment. |
$3750 |
$3750 |
The Self-Assessment of the Board can be ordered as an online service or in a print format for nonprofit and foundation boards. The online version uses email access and secure Internet survey technology to efficiently and confidentially gather information from board members. The assessment can be implemented within 2-5 business days if an immediate need arises. The online process removes the tedious manual process of compiling and averaging scores and promotes candor and openness from board members because of the confidential process. Because the scoring is automated, the report is delivered to facilitator immediately after assessment is completed.