Good Governance Questionnaire

Transcription

1 Good Governance Questionnaire Simply put, the board exists (usually on someone else's behalf) to be accountable that its organization works. The board is where all authority resides until some is given away (delegated) to others. (Carver & Carver, 2001) The big idea Governance is high on the agenda in all sectors public, private and non-profit. Businesses in all sectors, regardless of purpose, are increasingly expected to demonstrate how well they are governed. It is a vital part of how organisations operate and are held accountable. This questionnaire is based on the principles set out in the National Council for Voluntary Organisations Good Governance code (NCVO, 2010). The code was initially prepared by a group of third sector organisations together with the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators and the Charity Commissioners. While it refers specifically to trustees of registered charities, its principles are based on good practice in governance and as such are relevant to a wide range of governing bodies. Code of governance principles An effective board will provide good governance and leadership by: 1. Understanding its role 2. Ensuring delivery of organisational purpose 3. Working effectively both as individuals and as a team 4. Exercising effective control 5. Behaving with integrity 6. Being open and accountable 1

2 Purpose The Good Governance code provides a base-line audit and is an industry standard for governance. The purpose of this questionnaire is to enable you to assess how well your governing body is working against the six principles. It is also designed to pick up on the potentially varying perspectives that governing body members may have about the role of the governing body, their roles as individuals and how well they are working collectively. The tool The questionnaire is based on the six principles of the Good Governance code. Work through the following steps to use it as an audit and development tool to ensure the effectiveness of your governing body: 1. Complete the form indicating your individual opinions regarding each statement with an X or (that is,,,, I disagree, ) 2. Where possible, in the right-hand column, note down the evidence that led you to your choice 3. Once the whole group has completed the questionnaire, aggregate the responses; this works well if you create a graph or diagram of the results 4. Notice particularly strong areas of agreement or disagreement. Where people have given evidence for their choices, look for differing interpretations of the same or similar evidence 5. Feed back the findings to the group 6. Use the Good Governance code to prepare a governance development action plan based on your findings 2

3 Questionnaire 1. Leadership 1.1 The governing body members have ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of the organisation, ensuring it is solvent, well run and delivering the outcomes for which it has been set up. 1.2 The governing body has approved our mission and values and assesses all proposed activities against them. 1.3 The governing body members focus on the strategic direction of the organisation and does not become involved in day-to-day operational decisions. 1.3 The division of roles and responsibilities between governing body members and executive staff is clear. 3

4 2. Ensuring delivery of purpose 2.1 The governing body regularly reviews a range of information from different sources to ensure the organisation is acting in line with its purpose. 2.2 The governing body reviews short-, medium- and longterm goals to monitor agreed strategies. 2.3 The governing body members receive regular and timely information from the staff. 2.4 The enterprise has systems in place for governing body members to be involved in monitoring and evaluation to measure outcomes and assess impact. 4

5 2.5 The governing body encourages and enables the engagement of key stakeholders, such as users and beneficiaries, in the organisation s planning and decision making. 3 Working effectively 3.1 The governing body members understand their duties and responsibilities and have a statement defining them. 3.2 The governing body members receive the advice and information that they need to make good decisions. 3.3 The governing body has the diverse range of skills, experience and knowledge that it needs to run the organisation effectively. 5

6 3.4 Trustees receive the necessary induction, training and ongoing support that they need to discharge their duties. 3.5 The governing body has proper arrangements for the supervision, appraisal and remuneration of its chief executive. 3.6 The governing body regularly reviews and assesses its own performance and that of individual trustees. 3.7 The governing body has a strategy for its own renewal. 3.8 The recruitment of new members is open and focused on creating a diverse and effective governing body. 6

7 3.9 The governing body has defined the roles and responsibilities of the chair and other honorary officers in writing The governing body selects and appoints the senior post in the organisation The governing body sets clear terms of reference for sub-committees, advisory panels etc All delegated authorities are subject to regular monitoring by the governing body The governing body ensures that it complies with your governing document, relevant laws and the requirements of any regulatory bodies. 7

8 4. Exercising control 4.1 The governing body ensures that we have appropriate systems of internal controls, performance reporting, policies and procedures and that these systems are reviewed regularly. 4.2 The governing body acts prudently to protect the assets and property of the organisation and ensures that they are used to deliver our objectives. 4.3 The governing body regularly reviews the risks to which we are subject and takes action to mitigate the risks identified. 4.4 The governing body maximises its diversity to bring different perspectives to risk management. 8

9 4.5 The governing body allows the proper exercise of delegated authority without undue interference, whilst ensuring appropriate monitoring and feedback. 4.6 The governing body takes appropriate professional advice before making important decisions. 5. Integrity 5.1 The governing body ensures the organisation s values and ethos are enshrined in its policies and practices. 5.2 The governing body fosters an environment that supports constructive challenge and welcomes different points of view. 9

10 5.3 The governing body acts openly and honestly in all matters, and interests are declared even if the relevance or impact is unclear. 5.4 The governing body has approved a funding model in which no single stakeholder exercises undue influence. 5.5 Where governing body members represent the organisation, they ensure their personal views are never confused with those of the organisation. 5.6 The governing body has clear policies and procedures for whistleblowing. 10

11 6. Open and accountable 6.1 The governing body ensures there is a strategy for regular and effective communication with all stakeholders audiences, customers, funders etc. 6.2 The governing body supports the process of learning from mistakes and successes, ensuring external views are taken into account. 6.3 The governing body upholds and applies the principles of equality and diversity and ensures that we are fair and open to all sections of the community. 6.4 The governing body recognises the organisation s responsibilities towards its wider communities, society and the environment. 11