Selecting Effective Board Members for a Nonprofit Organization
In many ways, non-profit organisations, many of which are registered charities, have a much deeper and broader level of responsibilities than their commercial counterparts. The funds they collect and distribute are not their own and the main stakeholders of such organisations, usually those who provide the funds and the beneficiaries, do not have the same degree of protection from wrongdoing that is available to shareholders in a commercial company.
Because of this situation, it is therefore vitally important that a non-profit organisation has an effective and efficient board. The question this raises is how does the organisation attack the process of selecting such board members. In reality, this question can be answered by seeking individuals who have the following qualities.
Commitment and Integrity
Being a board member for a non-profit organisation is not simply a matter of becoming a figurehead for a cause that the applicant may have an interest in, or a way of getting oneself noticed. The position is a serious and important role, which requires commitment and dedication. The board member must be fully committed to the aims and objectives of the organisation and ensuring that these are upheld and focused upon by all who are involved.
Furthermore, the board member must be a person of the highest integrity. They must be reliable and honest. Whatever level of time they agree to devote to the organisation should be honoured. Similarly, the member must be honest in all of their involvement with the operations, for example, not be using the position for their own ends.
Experience
Because generally board member positions in a non-profit organisation are lowlier paid than other board positions, experience is often an issue within the board structure.
Ideally, in the selection process, the organisation needs to look for members who have experience in certain areas. For example, they will need some knowledge of how boards operate and what their duties and responsibilities are. Preferably, he or she should also have a certain level of experience in the product or service that the organisation is offering. For example, if it is a medical charity, some knowledge of medical processes would be advantageous. Furthermore, if there is knowledge on the intricate workings of charitable and non-profit organisations this would also be beneficial.
The more experience the board member has in any of the above areas; the better will be their ability to ensure the workings of the organisation and make a positive contribution.
Involvement
Although time commitment has been mentioned previously, involvement by a board member goes further than this one aspect. Holding this management position does not just entail attendance at board meetings. It also includes becoming involved with the day-to-day operations. Understanding the tasks that employees and other stakeholders have to comply with helps the board member to add value to the goals and objectives in a more practical manner.
The relationship between the board member and other people within the organisation must be nurtured to earn the respect needed for the smooth compliance of tasks that each undertake.
Neutrality
An effective board member is always neutral, in that he or she will not allow outside influences such as friendship or outside business interests to influence their judgement on any issue that relates to the successful operation of the non-profit organisation. They will always try to do what is right for the benefit of those whom the organisation serves, without favouring any other particular interest group.
Neutrality in the performance of a board role of this ilk is an important part of the creation and maintanence of a culture of integrity for the non-profit organisation and helps it to build upon the respect that it requires from stakeholders, which is necessary if it is to gain their trut and confidence.
Ability to manage and control
Finally, board members of non-profit organisation must have the ability to actively participate in the management and control of the operations. This is particularly true in the case of risk management, where his or her role is to ensure the procedures and operations comply with the appropriate regulations, laws, and good business conduct.
Efficient and effective board members are the custodians of the integrity and the honest and appropriate actions of the non-profit organisations. Therefore, the selection of these individuals must ensure those appointed have the qualities that will benefit his or her position and role and those of the organisation, helping to ensure it achieves its aims and objectives.
