Thank you to the BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction for the one-time grant
agreement that has supported the development and roll out this important project across BC.
This provincial, peer-to-peer training initiative focuses on strengthening and bringing together the volunteer boards that govern B.C.’s community social service non-profit organizations.
“Building Better Boards: Governance for an Adaptable, Resilient Social Sector” was developed by the Board Voice Society of BC specifically for BC non-profit boards and their senior staff. The course consists of four modules, broken into five 90-minute sessions of online dialogue and learning led by facilitators who are themselves non-profit board members in BC. In addition, participants are provided with four module handbooks developed by BC board directors, and other professionals with experience working in our sector, as well as supplemental resources to enhance the learning and support the implementation of key concepts, structures, and processes shared throughout the series.
We piloted our first module in the fall of 2021 and are now delivering the five workshop series in seven regions across BC.
THE BUILDING BETTER BOARDS
WORKSHOP SERIES
Workshop #1: Governance As Leadership
The Governance as Leadership module
After this workshop, participants will be able to:
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Understand the complex system that influences non-profit governance.
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Describe purpose-driven governance.
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Identify the three modes of governance and their connection to one another.
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Value the importance of asking questions.
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Discuss the concept of shared governance – the board and ED/CEO relationship.
Workshop #2: Know The Rules
The Know The Rules module is about understanding and complying by the complex laws and regulations that must be adhered to by each organization and it's board of directors.
After this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Appreciate the binding laws at the provincial and federal that apply to the non-profit and registered charity sectors.
- Identify gaps in their board's processes
- Understand each board member's legal and fiduciary responsibilities.
- Acknowledge that these laws are the responsibility of the whole board and that of individual board members.
Workshop #3: Recruitment & Retention of Board Directors
The Recruitment & Retention module is split into two workshops. This workshop focuses solely on the recruitment and retention of quality board members who bring value to the organization.
After this workshop, participants will be able to:
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Value the importance of leadership
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Identify the traits and characteristics of leaders and what makes a good board member
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Recognize colonized vs. decolonized boards
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Acknowledge what makes a good board meeting
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Understand the structures and processes that retain board directors
Workshop #4: Recruitment & Retention of EDs/CEOs
The second workshop in the Recruitment and Retention module focuses on the processes to identify, onboard and retain an ED or CEO.
After this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Recognize the value of thoughtful recruitment.
- Define the attributes of a quality ED/CEO.
- Identify the framework required to successfully recruit and retain an ED/CEO.
- Understand the systems and processes necessary to develop a succession plan.
Workshop #5: Local Issues & Governance
Local Issues & Governance speaks directly to the importance of strengthening board leadership skills in terms of identifying broader social challenges affecting people in their communities and acting collaboratively alongside allies across agencies and sectors to create needed change.
After this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Understand the value of moving forward together.
- Identify how a set of common values/principles can address community aspirations.
- Recognize the importance of a systems change mindset.
ABOUT BOARD VOICE
Board Voice provides peer-led support, connection and advocacy for non-profit community boards throughout BC whose organizations are dedicated to supporting and strengthening social health in their communities. Together we speak out, share experiences and build on each other’s strengths to make our communities better places to live, learn, work and play.
For more information about our organization, the benefits of membership or our current initiatives, please visit www.boardvoice.ca or contact timothy.agg@outlook.com.
Have Questions About This Series?
Please contact the Project Assistant, Clint Montgomery at boardvoice@kativasolutions.com.
Are You A Facilitator With Extensive Board Experience?
Click here to contact us and learn more about paid opportunities to be a regional facilitator for this series.
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