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    Checklist: Exploring appropriate roles for the board chair

    Let’s delve deeper into the roles and responsibilities of a Board Chairperson with this checklist.

    Below is a list of possible Board Chairperson roles collected from nonprofit organisations around the world. Indicate which roles you feel might be worth considering for your organisation. 

    1. Representative role as figurehead of the organisation. Active as spokesperson on behalf of the organisation when necessary. This includes attending functions, meetings, etc.
    * required
    2. Provides leadership to the board in supporting the goals of the organisation.
    * required
    3. Guides the board in fulfilling its stated roles.
    * required
    4. Chairs board meetings effectively, assuring adequate discussion of all issues, but keeping the meeting moving.
    * required
    5. Utilises the board’s time effectively.
    * required
    6. Represents the board in supervising the executive director; will not act on own without board approval or delegated authority.
    * required
    7. Develops selected board members to assure future leadership roles on the board.
    * required
    8. Is a role model for other volunteers as demonstrated by the way he or she represents the organisation.
    * required
    9. Makes sure the board adheres to its bylaws and constitution.
    * required
    10. Prepares the board’s meeting agenda with input from board members and the executive director.
    * required
    11. Encourages board members to participate in meetings and activities.
    * required
    12. Keeps the board’s activities focused on the organisation’s mission.
    * required
    13. Evaluates the effectiveness of the board’s decision-making process.
    * required
    14. Helps orient board members and committees.
    * required
    15. Makes sure there is a process to evaluate the effectiveness of board members.
    * required
    16. Recognises board members’ contributions to the board’s work.
    * required
    17. Acts as one of the signing officers for checks and other documents, such as contracts and grant applications.
    * required
    18. Plays a leading role in fundraising activities.
    * required
    19. Promotes the organisation’s purpose in the community.
    * required
    20. Prepares a report for the Annual General Meeting.
    * required
    21. Ensures appropriate supervision of staff.
    * required
    22. Assists with managing the organisation.
    * required
    23. Ensures the effective operation of the board.
    * required
    24. Coordinates board responsibilities, work, and activities with the chief executive.
    * required
    25. Is responsible for guiding the setting of policy.
    * required
    26. Is a partner with the executive director in achieving the organisation’s mission.
    * required
    27. Encourages board role in strategic planning.
    * required
    28. In consultation with the executive director, appoints chairpersons of committees.
    * required
    29. Discusses issues confronting the organisation with the executive director.
    * required
    30. Helps guide and mediate board actions with respect to organisational priorities and governance concerns.
    * required
    31. Monitors financial planning and financial reports.
    * required
    32. Evaluates annually the performance of the organisation in achieving its mission.
    * required
    33. Performs other responsibilities as assigned by the board.
    * required

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