Board Work Plan

Preparing a board work plan is a straightforward process. The board chair, in consultation with management, should determine what key decisions the board will make during the year and when they must be made.

The board’s written mandate or charter, together with the organization’s strategic plan, should be translated into a work plan for the board. This will ensure that he board carries out all the responsibilities and duties outlined in the mandate and remains focused on the organization’s outcomes.

Preparing a board work plan is a straightforward process. The board chair, in consultation with management, should determine what key decisions the board will make during the year and when they must be made. These decisions should be allocated to a board meeting schedule based on the organization’s fiscal year. The work plan should also identify the board’s information requirements for each item and identify who should be accountable for providing the board with that information. The board may consider to consolidate responsibilities of a similar nature.

The board typically makes the following non-recurring decisions when needed:

Hires the chief executive (this is the boards most important decision);

• Approves the organizational mission and any changes;
• Approves by-laws and amendments; and
• Approves board policies and changes.

So, depending on the urgency, these items can be placed into the work plan as required

The board typically makes the following decisions annually:

• Approves the annual operating plan and supporting budgets;
• Appraises performance of the chief executive and determines annual compensation;
• Approves capital financing and investment options;
• Selects the independent auditor (approved by membership) and approves annual audit report;
• Identifies new board members (elected by membership);
• Approves board committee appointments.
• Approves board orientation and education activities;
• Approves board work-plan and supporting budget;
• Assesses whether existing policies provide adequate guidance for decisions. If not, determine where deficiencies and what changes and/or additions are needed;
• Assess the adequacy of the information used to oversee board and corporate performance. Identify any new information requirements;
• Determine the actions the board should take to ensure operations are conducted according to board policies. These include performance reviews, audits, and inspections; and
• Determine the board’s educational and development needs and how these will be fulfilled.

The board may assign work to a committee:

• Committees schedule their work to meet the board decision timetable.
• Committees develop the detailed work plans and schedules needed to carry out the board’s work.
• Committees present their work to the board for approval.

A board work plan and schedule are needed to assure the board’s work is accomplished. The work plan and schedule are used to prepare the board and committee meeting agendas, and provide a baseline for the board to measure and evaluate its performance.