nonprofit boards can adapt and evolve using our online board skills assessment tool
warning signs you need a board skills assessment
each charity is unique, however the following are some general warning signs that may indicate potential issues with a charity or NFP board:
- lack of strategic direction – if your board struggles to set clear, long-term goals or seems unsure about the organisation’s future direction, it could indicate a gap in strategic thinking or planning skills. a board skills assessment can help identify whether the board has the necessary expertise in strategic planning, which is crucial for guiding the nonprofit toward achieving its mission.
- ineffective decision-making – when decisions are frequently delayed, revisited, or result in suboptimal outcomes, it may suggest that the board lacks critical decision-making skills or relevant knowledge. this may indicate a lack of essential expertise in areas like finance, legal matters, or sector-specific knowledge.
- inadequate financial oversight – a nonprofit’s financial health is fundamental to its sustainability. if your board members are not adequately reviewing financial statements, budgeting effectively, or understanding the financial implications of their decisions, it’s a clear sign that a skills assessment is needed.
- poor board engagement – low attendance at meetings, lack of participation in discussions, or minimal involvement in fundraising efforts can be indicative of a board that is disengaged or unsure of their role.
- lack of diversity in skills and perspectives – a board that lacks diversity in skills, experience, and perspectives results in homogenous thinking. the board may struggle to innovate or address complex challenges. the lack of maximum term limits to support renewal may be a factor.
- failure to adapt to changing needs – the external landscape, regulatory requirements, and community needs are constantly evolving. if your board is resistant to change or lacks the flexibility to adapt, its skillset may no longer be relevant.
if you’d like to learn more about better charity’s nonprofit board skills assessment tool and services, contact us for a free consultation.
ensure your nonprofit board has the skills for success!
use our board skills assessment tool for good charity governance
one of the key principles of good governance for the nonprofit sector is for the board to ensure its structure and composition enables it to fulfil its role effectively.
directors have a broad fiduciary duty to ensure the board has an appropriate mix of skills, expertise, and diversity to guide the charity’s activities. and they must prioritise the interests of the charity over personal interests.
a well-rounded skills-based board can provide strategic direction, ensure sound governance, and help the organisation achieve its mission. and, as the needs of your nonprofit evolve, so too must the skills and competencies of your board members.
a high performing board does not come about by accident. charity governance principles require boards to be proactive in their selection processes to ensure the right balance of director skills and diversity.
our board skills assessment tool can help to manage board succession. it will identify their collective strengths but also the gaps in their skills and experience which are needed to manage challenges and grasp opportunities now and into the future.
the online board skills assessment tool (below) will inform your nonprofit’s roadmap for succession planning. all answers are strictly confidential and will be reported in summary form only. you will need to login or register as a subscriber (free) to complete the self-assessment.
share this link with all your board members. you will receive a confidential summary of the results (names removed). please get in touch if you’d like better charity to help facilitate a respectful discussion about board transition.
