Board Effectiveness

The board has to work as an effective team, using the appropriate balance of skills, experience, backgrounds and knowledge to make informed decisions. The tone the board sets through its leadership, behavior, culture and overall performance is critical to the charity’s success. It is important to have a rigorous approach to trustee recruitment, performance and development, and to the board’s conduct. 

Key Outcomes

5.1 The board’s culture, behaviours and processes help it to be effective; this

includes accepting and resolving challenges or different views.

5.2 All trustees have appropriate skills and knowledge of the charity and can give enough time to be effective in their role.

5.3 The chair enables the board to work as an effective team by developing strong working relationships between members of the board and creates a culture where differences are aired and resolved.

5.4 The board takes decisions collectively and confidently. Once decisions are made the board unites behind them and accepts them as binding.

Recommended Practice

  • 5.5 Working as an effective team
  • 5.6 Reviewing the board’s composition​
  • 5.7 Overseeing appointments​
  • 5.8 Developing the board​

To access more information about board effectiveness you can download the document below or visit the Charity Governance Code website.

Charity-Governance- Code

Download the Full Charity Governance Code here: