How to induct board members
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Why effective induction matters
An effective induction process helps new board members understand your organisation’s mission, values and priorities so they can meaningfully contribute.
It also helps them understand their legal obligations, duties and liabilities as a board member.
Before you start
There are 2 important things to do before you start.
- Check eligibility: Before confirming the appointment, check the person is eligible to join the board and understands the time, conduct and confidentiality expectations of the role. The legal requirements for appointing board members can be found on Not-for-profit Law’s website.
- Pick someone to induct the new board member: This could be a senior staff member and/or member of the board who knows the organisation well.
Step 1. Provide a letter of appointment
Send the new board member a letter of appointment.
The letter should include:
- key legal responsibilities of board members
- terms and conditions of appointment
- request to declare any conflicts of interest
- request to return any other documentation or relevant forms.
Make sure they read it, sign it and return it.
Step 2. Give them a board induction pack
This induction pack should include:
- the governing document, such as the constitution or rules of association
- Information about legal duties and possible liabilities of board members
- Information about budget, funding sources and financial statements
- strategic and annual plans
- minutes from previous board meetings
- relevant policies, insurance policies and risk management information
- handover notes from previous board members, if available
- regulator details and key legal or reporting compliance dates
- biographical and contact information for board members and staff, if appropriate
- the board meeting schedule and a calendar of upcoming events
- an overview of the board’s operational structure and committee structure.
Step 3. Share board processes and expectations
Explain what the board processes are. This can include how meetings are run, and how documents are shared and stored.
Give guidance on how board members should:
- raise questions
- declare conflicts
- access papers
- keep information confidential
- take part in decisions during and between meetings.
You could do this by asking an experienced board member to be their mentor, or pair them up with another board member who can explain and model expected behaviour.
Ask new board members how you can support them
You should also ask new board members, if there’s anything they need to do their best work. This might include sharing background reading, discussing access needs, setting up mentoring or going through key documents together.
Step 4. Set up meetings with key stakeholders
Arrange meetings with key staff, fellow board members and external partners.
This helps build relationships and a better understanding of how your organisation works.
Where possible, offer a short briefing with the chair, CEO or senior staff so the new board member can ask questions upfront and understand current issues.
Step 5. Provide training
Give board members training and resources so they build the skills they need. Remember, new board members may have lots of board experience or very little. So it’ll be important to provide the right level of training based on their knowledge and skills.
Training could cover:
- governance
- finance
- fundraising
- regulatory compliance and risks
- sector-specific knowledge.
Ask board members to complete basic governance training if they’re new to it or need a refresher.
You can also keep a simple record of what training has been completed and what further learning they may need.
Webinars to improve Board Financial Fluency
Financial literacy is an important skill for board members. This webinar series helps board members understand their financial obligations and learn how to interpret financial information.
Step 6. Check in
Schedule check-ins after the first meeting and again after 3 to 6 months. Ask how the new board member is going, help answer questions and fill knowledge gaps.
You could ask the chair or a seasoned board member to do this.
Step 7. Get them involved
Give new board members ways to get involved beyond board meetings. This can include attending events, touring the organisation’s venue or visiting key sites.
This helps board members to:
- see what your organisation does and how it works
- settle into their role
- build commitment to your organisation.
How to evaluate the board
Learn how to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of your board.
