How do you update your board policies?

1 Assess your current policies

The first step in updating your board policies is to assess your current policies and identify any gaps, inconsistencies, or outdated information. You can use a board policy checklist or template to compare your existing policies with the best practices and standards for nonprofit governance. You can also solicit feedback from your board members, staff, and stakeholders on how well your policies are working and what needs to be improved. This will help you prioritize the areas that need the most attention and create a realistic timeline for the update process.

2 Research and draft new or revised policies

The next step is to research and draft new or revised policies that address the issues and gaps you identified in the assessment phase. You can use existing resources, such as sample policies, guidelines, or templates from other nonprofits or reputable sources, to guide your drafting process. However, you should also customize your policies to fit your specific organization, mission, and context. You should also consult with your legal counsel, accountant, or other experts to ensure that your policies comply with the relevant laws, regulations, and best practices.

3 Review and approve the policies

The third step is to review and approve the policies before implementing them. You should involve your board members, staff, and stakeholders in the review process, and solicit their feedback and suggestions. You should also ensure that your policies are clear, concise, and consistent, and that they align with your mission, vision, and values. You should also consider the impact of your policies on your organization's operations, finances, and culture. Once you have finalized your policies, you should present them to your board for formal approval and adoption.

4 Communicate and implement the policies

The final step is to communicate and implement the policies across your organization. You should inform your board members, staff, and stakeholders about the changes and the reasons behind them, and provide them with copies of the updated policies. You should also provide training and orientation for your board members and staff on how to follow and apply the policies in their roles and responsibilities. You should also monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of your policies and make adjustments as needed.

Updating your board policies is an essential part of ensuring good governance and accountability for your nonprofit. By following these steps, you can create and maintain policies that support your organization's mission, vision, and goals.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?