Value gained through a board self-assessment:
- Provides an opportunity to look internally at the board. Most boards assess programs and chief executive performance, but do not routinely evaluate their own performance.
- Board members can reflect on their individual and shared responsibilities to develop a common understanding among individual board members.
- Identifies different perceptions and opinions among board members.
- Point to areas of board performance that need attention.
- Use the results as a springboard for board improvement.
- Increase the level of board teamwork.
- Clarifies mutual board/staff expectations.
- Demonstrates accountability as a serious organizational value.
- Displays credibility to funders, other external audiences and staff
Through our work with boards of directors, we have found that a board self-assessment is the most effective tool in strengthening the governance of an organization. A comprehensive board self-assessment is not for every organization every year, but a tailored annual board self-assessment is important for every organization.
NEW: Individualized Board Self-Assessment Tools for Hospitals, Community Health Centers and Local Boards of Health
