Board Member Recruitment

Attracting the right board members to your organization can increase the effectiveness of your board.  Whether your organization adds to its board at your annual meeting or each fall, attracting the right person is critical.

Start with a plan


Start with a plan 

Volunteer boards have so many tasks that recruiting new members may seem overwhelming. It is important to remember that these individuals will be representing your board, accountable for implementing your strategic plan, managing finances and possibly running operations on a day-to-day basis.
Developing a recruitment plan will:
      • fill any “gaps” that you may have in board skills
      • ensure that new board members are well-qualified and suited to your board
      • help you get to know the new member(s)
      • develop immediate rapport with any potential board members
      • prevent selecting individuals who do not fit with the values of the board
      • develop a consistent process that can be used in future  
 

Who should be involved in recruitment?

At the beginning stages of the board, it is often the board or committee members that suggest new members. Established boards often have a nomination or board development committee, that is appointed by the board. This often includes a past chair that understands the needs of the organization. Such committees are most effective if they are standing committees that act throughout the year.
It is a good idea to have the structure of your nominating committee as part of your bylaws.  Most importantly, the nominating committee needs clear guidelines and individuals who are dedicated to establishing and following a clear plan of recruitment.


What type of person does your board require?

Searching for new board members is a strategic activity, and a skills assessment of the board may be helpful. A nominating committee should ask the following questions:
      • What is the strategic plan of the board?
      • Does your strategic plan require any particular skills to move it forward?
      • Who currently sits on the board and what skills do they have?
      • What are the gaps in skills?
Recruiting volunteers is much like hiring for a paid position.  To recruit the right volunteer, your organization requires a job description that includes tasks, responsibilities, skills needed and obligations of the position.

Other related links


Finding potential board members

Members of your organization or those you have asked to serve on a committee or task force often make the best board members.
There are many ways that you can seek out potential candidates for your board including:
      • recommendations from current board members
      • an article in your organizations blog, newsletter or on your website
      • social media
      • advertisements in your farm or rural newspapers
 

The right choice for your board and your new board members

First, it is a good idea to develop a list of individuals that may be a good fit for your board. Dalhousie University provides suggestions for how you should approach potential board members in Your Boards Recruitment Package.
 
LeadershipTalk Webinar - Keys to Recruiting New Board Members
LeadershipTalk Webinar - Recruitment and the Board
LeadershipTalk Webinar - Diversity and the Board
 
 

Mentoring new members

Once you have found someone to fill a role on your board, and once they have agreed, the process continues. A board orientation provides new board members with information they need to carry out  and be successful in their new role in the organization. 
The purpose of a board member orientation is to:
      • share the organization's vision and mission with new members
      • inform new members of duties and expectations
      • guide new members in how to complete their duties and available resources
      • enhance communication between the new members and existing board
Developing a board manual will help with orientation by keeping all the essential information for new board members in one place. This Board Manual Template (DOC 26 KB) details what you may want to include and will get you started.
While a new board recruit should have this information package, it is most important to develop a mentorship program, where they can gain information and ask questions of those who have experience.
 
LeadershipTalk Webinar - Board Orientation Process
LeadershipTalk Webinar - Board Engagement
 
 
Top 
 

Succession planning and sustainability

Organizations are continually in need of new board members.  However if you develop a recruitment process, that is included in your monthly meetings, you will always have qualified and committed individuals to carry on the mission of your board.
Succession planning is an ongoing process of identifying, assessing and developing people to ensure continuity for the board and organization. Succession planning requires that boards be proactive rather than reactive. 


For further information please contact leadership@gov.mb.ca . 


Other Related Links