How can you develop a board that is strategic and effective in decision-making?

2 Recruit and retain diverse and qualified board members

The second step in developing a strategic and effective board is to recruit and retain diverse and qualified board members. You want to have a board that reflects the diversity of your community, your beneficiaries, and your sector. You also want to have a board that brings a range of skills, experiences, perspectives, and networks that can contribute to your organization's success. To achieve this, you need to have a clear and transparent board recruitment process that identifies the gaps and needs of your board, attracts and selects suitable candidates, and provides orientation and training for new board members.

3 Establish a strong board culture and governance

The third step in developing a strategic and effective board is to establish a strong board culture and governance. Board culture refers to the values, norms, and behaviors that shape how the board operates and interacts. Board governance refers to the policies, procedures, and structures that guide the board's decision-making and oversight. To foster a strong board culture and governance, you need to have a clear and shared vision and mission, a respectful and trusting relationship among board members and with the executive director, a commitment to continuous learning and improvement, and a regular and effective board evaluation process.

4 Engage in strategic planning and risk management

The fourth step in developing a strategic and effective board is to engage in strategic planning and risk management. Strategic planning is the process of setting the direction, goals, and strategies of the organization for the short and long term. Risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating the potential threats and uncertainties that may affect the organization's performance and sustainability. To engage in strategic planning and risk management, you need to have a clear and comprehensive understanding of your organization's internal and external environment, a realistic and ambitious assessment of your organization's strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and a proactive and adaptable approach to addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities.

5 Support fundraising and resource mobilization

The fifth step in developing a strategic and effective board is to support fundraising and resource mobilization. Fundraising and resource mobilization are the activities that generate and secure the financial and non-financial resources that enable the organization to achieve its mission and goals. As a board member, you have a responsibility to support fundraising and resource mobilization in various ways, such as making a personal contribution, leveraging your network and contacts, advocating for your organization's cause, participating in fundraising events and campaigns, and ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of resources.

6 Enhance stakeholder engagement and communication

The sixth and final step in developing a strategic and effective board is to enhance stakeholder engagement and communication. Stakeholders are the individuals and groups that have an interest or stake in your organization, such as your beneficiaries, staff, donors, partners, regulators, media, and the public. Engaging and communicating with your stakeholders is essential for building trust, credibility, and legitimacy, as well as for soliciting feedback, input, and support. As a board member, you have a role to play in enhancing stakeholder engagement and communication, such as by representing your organization at external events and forums, listening and responding to stakeholder concerns and expectations, and sharing your organization's achievements and impact.