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What Is the Role and Responsibility of the Board? And How Do You Build an Effective Board?

Here you can learn more about the role and responsibilities of a board and how to create a strong and effective board team.

How to Build an Effective Board

A successful board consists of members with different strengths and competencies. Just as board members have different responsibilities, they should also bring different skills and perspectives to the organisation.

Board members do not all need to have the same expertise, but they should all understand the responsibilities that the association and its members expect them to fulfil.

In a strong board:

• One or more members may be skilled communicators.
• Another may excel at administration and organisation.
• One may be particularly strong at networking and building relationships.
• Another may have a talent for recruiting and engaging volunteers.

A board will typically consist of five members, although in practice a board can function with as few as three people (a Chair, a Treasurer, and a Board Member).

Introducing New Board Members

It can be beneficial to appoint a contact person for new board members who is always available to provide guidance and support.

This sends a clear signal that the board:

• Recognises that getting started can be challenging and filled with uncertainty and questions.
• Prioritises creating a safe and supportive environment for new members.

A contact person can also introduce new board members to the obligations and expectations associated with their role and explain the formal rules and procedures that apply to association governance and volunteer-led organisations.

In addition, it is important to think creatively about recruiting new board members. Consider developing succession plans and transition processes, particularly for positions that may become difficult to fill in the future. This helps ensure continuity and long-term stability within the organisation.