Board Orientation Programs: Setting Up Your New Directors For Success

I have been working with many boards lately on board recruitment and several are now in full board orientation planning mode. Onboarding is not just about the transfer of information or running through a slide deck. It’s also about building relationships between individual board members, the board as a whole and staff. 

Here are some tips to set up your new directors for success.

Create a Buddy System

Pair up new directors with more senior directors. Encourage them to meet, have coffee and to discuss how the newbies can be supported as they transition onto the board. The buddy can act as an advisor and can answer any questions that the new directors have before, after or between meetings. 

Observe a Board Meeting Prior to Officially Onboarding

If timing permits, invite new directors to attend the board meeting prior to their first official meeting as an observer. This will give new directors a good sneak peek into what they are getting themselves into! They will also have the opportunity to meet the other board members and the senior leadership team which will help makes things more familiar for their first official meeting.  

Organize a Tour of the Office and Meet Staff

Take new directors on a tour of the office. Introduce them to staff. Both the directors and staff will appreciate the opportunity to connect. 

Meet with the Board Chair and ED/CEO

Set up one-on-one meetings with each of the board chair and the Executive Director/CEO. Get their insights regarding the board, the 

organization, the strategic plan and what they think is required for new directors to hit the ground running. 

Ensure Signoff Of Onboarding Forms

Get all your new directors to sign off on forms before their first meeting or before you send them confidential information such as your board meeting pre-reads or other sensitive material. 

Hold the Actual Orientation Meeting

Hold a dedicated meeting solely for board orientation. The board chair should chair that meeting, with the input of the Executive Director/CEO for operational matters and others as needed. Invite all current board members and ask them to share their experience regarding their own board service and what they get out of it. Try to keep it informal so new directors can be more relaxed. 

Evaluate & Improve your New Director Onboarding Process

Follow up with new directors about two months after their first board meeting to obtain feedback on their onboarding experience and to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. There should two-way learning, not just “this is how we do things”. Embrace new views and ideas and continually make improvements so next year, your onboarding program will be even better!

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Remember - onboarding is not just about transferring knowledge. It is also about building new relationships that will strengthen over time for the overall benefit of your board and of your non-profit.

As always, if you need help with board orientations or any other governance project, don't hesitate to reach out!

Yours in Good Governance,
Heather Terrence, CAE
Pinpoint Governance Group
647.984.9857
info@pinpointgg.ca