Sample Board Evaluation
An annual board assessment gives each board member the opportunity to evaluate the board's overall effectiveness at accomplishing its goals in a variety of activity areas. It can be scheduled to occur during a board meeting or completed by board members on their own time and later returned to the organization. Results of the evaluation can be shared at the next board meeting and followed by discussion.
A ranking system reflecting the level of accomplishment (excellent performance, adequate performance, inadequate performance and uncertain) within each task may be useful. Activities can be grouped into the following categories:
Please answer the following performance questions using the following scale:
Uncertain Inadequate Adequate Excellent
- Please rate the board’s comprehensive knowledge of board financial, legal and public responsibilities. Explain here if desired:
- Please rate the board’s representation of the organization to the public. Explain here if desired:
- Please rate the board’s understanding of the organization’s mission. Explain here if desired:
- Please rate the board’s compliance with all legal regulations, licensing and other standards. Explain here if desired:
- Please rate the board’s effectiveness with regards to board practice, including bylaws, committees and procedures. Explain here if desired:
- Please rate the relationship between the board of directors and the executive director. Explain here if desired:
- Please rate the formal procedures for hiring, evaluating, managing and compensating the executive director. Explain here if desired:
- Please rate the activity of the board in the organization’s strategic planning. Explain here if desired:
- Please rate the board’s policy development and approval process. Explain here if desired:
- Please rate the board’s overall performance, especially regarding meeting attendance and participation. Explain here if desired:
- Please answer the following questions in 3 to 4 sentences:
- Does your board have procedures for member succession and nomination? If so, how well do you think the current procedures serve your organization’s needs? If not, please explain why.
Explain: - Does your organization participate in new board member orientation? If so, how? If not, why?
Explain: - Does your board of directors seek approval of outside counsel (legal, accounting, managerial)? If so, in what ways?
Explain: - Do you feel as if there has been any oversight in the organization’s financial management, including but not limited to: income, expenses, borrowing, insurance coverage, audits, bank relations, and fundraising? If so, please explain.
Explain: