Board members are essential volunteers for charitable nonprofits as stewards. As volunteers, they are expected to give their time and expertise to the cause, often without payment. In this way, they act like the captains in the crow’s nest who supervise the organization and ensure that the leadership team is operating ethically and is in compliance with the rules and regulations. They also promote the organization through their personal and business networks, and encourage others to join.

Meeting management

No matter the type of board, the function of the board member is to be a part of regular meetings and provide oversight and foresight of the company’s goals and initiatives. This usually involves discussing strategic issues, establishing measurable targets and creating plans for the organization to meet these targets. Every member of the governance board is responsible for this obligation.

Involvement on committees

It is advisable for board members to sit on at least one of the committees, as this allows them to get to know the organization better and acquire specialized skills. Additionally it assists the board balance its skill sets to make effective decisions for the company.

It is a given that members of the board must be prepared and present at meetings in person or via virtual means. They should also read the agenda ahead of time and actively participate during discussions, as it is an essential part of their job. They must also make notes and record the votes. These tasks can be made easier by using a go boardroom software that offers features such as efficient meetings, engagement metrics and unified file sharing.