In most countries, a charity has to have a board of trustees. It’s the law. There’s nothing you can do about it, so you might as well make sure it’s a good one. Because a good board adds value and is vital to ensure that your organisation has the proper procedures and policies in place to manage your charity’s resources effectively. A good board will provide the long-term vision that will protect its reputation and values.

But so many people working in charities complain about their board. This should not be happening!

In this special showcase dedicated to good governance, Simone Joyaux ACFRE will be adding a new article each month that will show you how to make your board the best ever.

‘Bonjour, dear reader
I wanted to add a personal greeting to this governance reading room.
For those of you who have heard me speak – or read my blogs, books, articles, columns – you know that I’m a bit irreverent. You know that I speak candidly. You know that I like to disturb and agitate.
And, if you’re familiar with my work, you also know that I am definitely NOT a believer in the ‘exceptionalism’ of the United States, my home country. I’m not a promoter of whatever happens in the US. Instead, my French father taught me about the world and different cultures.
Sometimes when I speak or I’m working as a consultant – whether internationally or in some city in the US, whether in a small or large NGO – people say to me, ‘Well, that won’t work here’.
I find that to be a highly limiting statement. I think we’ve all learned that lots of things do work across national boundaries, cultural perspectives, different languages and lifestyles, types and sizes of NGOs…
So I ask you to keep an open mind as you explore the governance approaches in this reading room. Don’t focus on the culture or laws and regulations in your country. Don’t rely on the traditions of your governance structures. Instead, pay attention to the concepts shared here. North America (that’s not just the US!) does have useful experience and expertise in governance and board development. If done well, the principles and practice shared here can make a difference in the health and effectiveness of your NGO.
It’s up to you to figure out how to personalise these concepts for your organisation. It’s up to you to explore how your NGO can apply these principles and practice – modified or not – to strengthen operations and impact.’

• Destroy all executive committees.
• Committees…love them or hate them.
• What does your governance committee do?
• The role of the board is pretty darn clear.
• How effective are your board members?

Watch your SOFII updates for more Simone uncensored coming soon.