Related Topics
Board Reference Book
Board Training and Development
The Board Reference Book
The Board Reference Book (BRB) is a compendium of documents and reference material that provides a body of information for board members. It can also be useful to orient new board members. The BRB is not a policy manual and should not be confused with the Board Policies Manual (BPM), which is the single source for board policies. For clubs that have a web site and secure portal dedicated to the board, the list below may describe what is put in the resource library on the web site. Boards that keep the BRB in hard copy usually rely on the GM and his/her staff to keep it current. Although some boards will maintain a copy of the BRB for each board member, that exercise is both labor and paper intensive and often results in infrequent updates to the BRB. It is normally sufficient to keep one or two copies current for access at board meetings. Here is a list of possible items for the BRB in no particularly order of priority:
A. Articles of Incorporation and bylaws
B. Board Policies Manual
C. New board member orientation checklist (things to do or read)
D. Current mission, purpose, goals, etc.
E. Latest budget and board-oriented financial report
F. Last external audit report
G. Board address list and committee assignments
H. List of club’s advisory groups, attorney, CPA, consultants, insurance broker, etc.
I. Program descriptions/brochures/flyers
J. Board forms: evaluation forms, annual affirmation statement, etc.
K. Trend/issue analysis used in last strategic planning retreat
L. Code of ethics, board statement on conflict of interest
M. Organization charts
N. Summary of staff benefits package
O. Copy of latest IRS filings
P. Copy of contract/agreement with GM and GM’s performance goals
Q. List of insurance policies, including Directors and Officers Liability policy
R. Current personnel handbook
S. Schedule of future meetings/key dates on organization=s calendar
T. Other important lists: members, task forces, etc.
U. Brief history of the organization
V. Summary of any formal agreements with other organizations
W. Last 3 board reports from GM
X. Last 3 board minutes
Y. Other documents as desired