BOARD COMMITTEES - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

In any organization the Board is the highest and ultimate decision-making body. However, as the organization grows in size, it may not be possible for the Board to make all the decisions directly. This is more so since the Board consists of volunteers who sacrificially give their time in governing the organization. Therefore, the Board decides to delegate certain responsibilities to the management team and provides oversight. Basically, the Board makes a distinction between governance and management function. While the governance functions are retained at the Board level, the management functions are delegated to the management.

  

To know more about "Executive Committees", read the complete article on “Board Committees- Executive Committee”. 

"Can the Executive Committee replace the Board?" Please share your views with us.

BOARD EVALUATIONS - CEO EVALUATION

The Board members of an organization collectively referred to as Board set the vision, mission, strategy 

and structure of the organization. However, the Board vests the responsibility of management and day-today operations of the organization to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) (here CEO refers to the Chief 

Functionary). 

The chief executive officer is the key link between the organization and the Board. The primarily 

responsible is to carry out the strategic plans and policies as established by the Board.

Since the CEO is the head of management there is generally a relationship of trust between the Board and the CEO. On one hand the Board holds the CEO accountable for running the organization and on the other hand the Board also sets the mandate of the CEO by providing set of guidelines and roles/responsibilities. The Board should also provide a clear reporting framework to the CEO to be accountable. Generally, on behalf of the Board the Chairperson acts as the reporting officer for the CEO.

To know more on CEO Evaluation types and processes , read the complete article on “CEO Evaluation”  Click here.

"What is the difference between 'the Board's CEO' and 'the CEO's Board'?" Please share your views.

BOARD EVALUATIONS - BOARD EVALUATION

The Board is the final and highest decision-making body within an organization. Mandatorily, it is required that every organization have a duly constituted Board. However, in actual practice it has been seen that while some Boards work in a very effective manner, there are others who exist for the sake of records. These are the two extreme scenarios in Non-Profit Organizations. A regular, well-structured Board evaluation process helps in enhancing efficiency and effectiveness. However, it is important to have a clear political will at the highest leadership level to implement a Board evaluation process.

There are no legal or statutory compulsions on the part of the Board to undertake its own evaluation. However, for a learning and pro-active Board, it always adds value to its functioning and effectiveness if regular Board evaluations take place.

To know about the various Board Evaluation types and processes , read the complete article on “Board Evaluation” Click here.

"Board evaluation form is a diagnostics tool for examining the performance of the Organization." Please share your views.

JOB DESCRIPTION ( Including do’s and don’ts)

BOARD MEMBERS-ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

A Board works on the principle of collective wisdom. The underlying principle for setting up of a board is that the collective decision making process minimizes risks and maximizes effectiveness.  In that context, the individual members play a very important part in enhancing the overall effectiveness of the board. Therefore, the board must be a fine blend of individuals drawn from different walks of life & diverse sections of community.

Board members set the strategic direction of the organization. Along with providing oversight and supervision to ensure that management and operations are legally compliant, effective and appropriate, the Board is supposed to make effective decisions.

To know about the reasons and responsibilities, read the complete article on “Board Members-Roles and Responsibilities”Click here.

In view of the above, the question that arises is “Why anyone should become a Board member of a NPO?”, “What are the roles and responsibilities ?”

JOB DESCRIPTION ( Including do’s and don’ts)

TREASURER-ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Accountable and transparent financial management practices play a major role in enhancing the effectiveness of an organization. If the stakeholders lose faith in an organization’s ability to control and account for finances, the entire organization is seen in bad light. The Treasurer is the person who has to ensure that bank accounts are managed well, cash and cheque are deposited, bills are paid, records are kept, budgets are prepared and adhered to and incoming as well as outgoings are backed properly.

In large organizations, the Treasurer is usually supported by a Finance Committee and provides a link between the management and the Board on financial matters. The Treasurer maintains an overview on monthly finances to ensure that appropriate procedures are in place so that programs can be implemented without any delay or disruption.

To know more about the Treasurer and his/her roles & responsibilities, read the complete article on "Treasurer- Roles & Responsibilities" Click here.
"Is it advisable for the Treasurer of an non-profit organization (NPO) to perform both oversight as well as managerial functions?". Kindly share your views on this.

JOB DESCRIPTION ( Including do’s and don’ts)

SECRETARY- ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The overall administration and management of an organization vest with the duly elected Board as per the Bye-laws/Trust Deed/Memorandum of Association of the organization. To have smooth and effective Board processes, several positions are created within the board. Generally, the Board has a Chairperson, Vice-chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer and assigns them certain duties & responsibilities as per the governing documents of the organization.

The position of Secretary has wide-ranging responsibilities, requiring much more than simply being present at all board meetings. He/she is the one who has the role of disseminating information to all members and stakeholders, giving proper notice of any meetings and timely distribution of materials such as agendas and meeting minutes. Additionally, the Secretary is the custodian of the organization’s records and related materials. The Secretary is expected to work in close co-operation with the Chair as he/she compliments the Chair’s work and helps him/her discharge the duties effectively.

To know more about the Secretary- Roles & Responsibilities, read the complete article on "Secretary- Roles & Responsibilities" Click here.

"Should the Secretary and the Chief Functionary be one and the same person?". Kindly share your views on this.

JOB DESCRIPTION ( Including do’s and don’ts)

VICE-CHAIRPERSON- ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Generally, the Board of a voluntary organization is structured responsibility-wise. In other words, the Board would have ordinary members and certain office-bearers like Chairperson, Vice-chairperson, Secretary and the Treasurer.

The Vice-chairperson is considered as the Chairperson-in-training. He/she should attend meetings of the Board regularly. He/she also has to obtain the consent of the Chairperson before making major decisions. The Vice-chairperson is accountable to the Board who is accountable to the members and other stakeholders. By electing the Vice-chairperson, the Board creates a second line in the governance process itself. This ensures broad based leadership and smooth transition in due time.

To know more about the Vice-chairperson's Roles & Responsibilities, read the complete article on "Vice-chairperson- Roles & Responsibilities" Click here.

"Vice-Chairperson is the leader in the making.". Kindly share your views on this.