Trustees' Governance Resources Guide
January 25, 2022 (Version 1.1)
For Trustees of Christian Science Nursing Organizations
Governance Roles and Responsibilities
1. Leadership
Set the Leadership Environment
The Board has significant influence on setting the leadership climate and organizational culture through its approach to governance. The foundation for this begins with establishing the organization's mission statement, vision, and values. These set the tone for the criteria used for recruiting and evaluating the ED's leadership and staff performance. These will influence decisions on how employees will be cared for (relationships, compensation, training, and development). It will impact policy making.
2. Documents
Understand the Organization's Key Governance Documents
The Board uses key governance documents to guide the organization's activities, organizational culture, and compliance with established codes and regulation.
3. Relationships
Relationships With Key Personnel
The Board is responsible for hiring and overseeing the Executive Director. The Executive Director is responsible for managing staff and running day-to-day operations..
4. Finances
Financial Management Oversight
It’s the Board’s job to ensure financial oversight for the organization. The Board will be responsible for monitoring how closely financial activity matches the actual budget, looking into how much programs and services cost, and whether that cost is appropriate.
5. Development
Many boards are involved in raising money to ensure the organization has the resources it needs to succeed. Sometimes board members are expected to take an active role in this activity.
6. Compliance
Compliance with Legal, Ethical, and Accountability Standards
The Board is responsible for ensuring that the organization operates within the laws of the jurisdiction it resides. This may include submission of reports or forms to various offices.
7. Sustainability
Board Effectiveness and Sustainability
The Board is responsible for recruiting, retaining, training, and developing all board members. It should also understand how it works together as a team - the governance model under which it operates.
8. The Public
The Organization’s Public Standing
Board members should always be prepared to speak well of the organization and advocate for its services. They are a bridge between your organization and the community they support. Each Board member should remember that they may be the only ambassador of your organization that some people meet. The Board should work to create the public brand of the organization as well.
9. Programs and Services
Determine, Monitor, and Strengthen the Organization’s Programs and Services
Board members should have detailed knowledge of who participates in or takes advantage of your major programs and services. The Board will be deciding what portion of the annual budget is devoted to the various programs and services.
10. Evaluation
Support the Executive Director/Administrator and Assess His/Her Performance
Your Board is responsible for providing an annual performance evaluation for the Executive Director. The Board should create a clear process for conducting this evaluation and identify specific Board members to carry out the evaluation on behalf of the entire Board.
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