Fathoming Policies

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In this photo two Halifax harbour ferries are passing each in the low-lying fog. The light on Georges Island is visible in the background. The ferries here look even more mysterious than in the image of them I used for my October 2020 piece on this subject, De-Cloaking Policies

This post is also about making sense of governing policies.  In my earlier foray into the topic I provided an outline of some foundational polices. Here, I turn to look at a few other good practices non-profits can adopt, and therefore, describe in policy.

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Executive Director Reports

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One of the most enduring features of non-profit board meetings is the executive director’s or CEO’s report. There are few resources that offer good practice recommendations. Aside from the consideration of level of detail, few boards and EDs together give much consideration to what subject matter should be included.

So, I have some of my own suggestions, informed by my board experience and from two other sources, about the content of such reports. Despite the model that I suggest here, nothing beats a board-ED discussion of key content areas and even a little experimentation with actual board reports.

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De-cloaking Policies

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Sometimes one of the Halifax ferries can look a little mysterious emerging out of the early morning mist. What are these craft? Do not be concerned. They are quite fathomable once one sees them up close. Getting onboard adds to one’s appreciation of their distinctive design and useful function.

The term policy board or policy-making board is often used in the non-profit sector. While the concept is understood, the specifics are foggy to many. What is an organizational policy in a governance context? What key policies ought a non-profit have? Who creates and implements them? What might a policy really look like close up?

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Governance Selection

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When it comes to candy my favourite choice is a box of Ganong’s Delecto Dark Chocolates. I am quite loyal to this brand. They are Canada’s oldest candy company.  Employing nearly 400 people, the family-run firm is the mainstay of the economy of St. Stephen, a small town on the Maine- New Brunswick border. It is just down the road from where I grew up.

A box of mixed chocolates can offer a variety of choices for those with a sweet tooth. Often you are not exactly sure what each candy offers even though you read the description before choosing. My Governance Selection, great articles by other governance nerds like me, tries to offers a similar experience.

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Law 102 for Boards

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A while ago I came across a U.S article on the importance of non-profit organizations paying attention to how the law distinguishes between employees and contractors. Here was a topic that seemed timely given all the discussion of new types of work places. I wondered then if there was a Canadian piece on this topic and whether the laws here were similar?

Fast forward. There is and they are. But this inquiry led me to explore several other areas of law that need to be followed by non-profits. The laws affecting organizations are important enough that volunteer boards need to know what key rules affect their non-profit’s conduct. However, boards may not need to know all the details. Read on.

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Law 101 for Boards

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I am sure that most non-profit leaders are aware that certain laws that need to be followed by their organization. But if asked, could a typical director name them, let alone describe what matters the laws cover? Possibly not. Can a board member easily become familiar with his/her organization’s legal responsibilities? Yes.

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Your “About Us” Page

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Today, most non-profit organizations, even small ones, have their own websites. They are an essential vehicle for information sharing and storytelling in the community, as well as for fundraising.

Non-profit websites generally include an “about us” page or element. This is an often visited part of your organization’s site, especially by individual donors, institutional funders, and of course, by people interested in the services you provide.

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Board Members as Ambassadors

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Your non-profit’s board members diligently show up at monthly meetings. They are interested in the work of the organization and engaged in the issues around the board table. But do board members have a role outside of board meetings in building bridges to the wider community? If so what does this look like?

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A Ready-Made Staff Survey

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So, you have full confidence in the ability of your executive director and have a good HR policy in place. But, as a board how do you know for sure that staff is happy and being managed well?  Isn’t part of your governance responsibility to ensure your non-profit is a good workplace? And, isn’t HR one of the key area of executive director performance evaluation?

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Repurposed Meetings

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Non-profit board meetings seem to stick very close to the standard “business meeting” format. Are they only option for boards and executives to do their work together? 

Maybe it is time to push back a little on our reliance on customary board meetings.  There are other kinds of meetings that can, and should be, incorporated into the governance calendar. Repurposing some meetings offers hope to those wanting not only to be good stewards of their organization but to grapple with the larger issues facing their communities.

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