A regular process of evaluating the board’s performance can help to identify strengths and weaknesses of its processes and procedures and to provide insights for strengthening orientation and educational programs, the conduct of board and committee meetings, and interactions with board and staff leadership. Many boards will find it helpful to conduct such a self-assessment annually; others may prefer a schedule that coincides with the terms of board service or regular long-range planning cycles. A number of print and online tools, ranging from sample self-assessment questionnaires to more complex evaluation procedures, can help an organization design a board evaluation or self-assessment process that best meets its needs.

• It is important to establish guidelines for duties and responsibilities of board members.
• Board self-assessment is a process that allows the board and individual board members to evaluate their understanding of their responsibilities and how well they meet their expectations. 
• Before renewing the term of a board member, his or her performance should be assessed.

• Some accreditation agencies require boards to assess their performance.
• The bylaws should state the reasons and the process for removing a board member.
• Removing nonperforming board members usually requires the action of the full board.

There are no federal or state laws or regulations requiring governing boards of nonprofit organizations to evaluate the performance of the board as a group or as individuals.

The Revised Model Nonprofit Corporation Act stipulates that directors may be removed through
judicial proceedings or by a vote of the board if “a director has engaged in fraudulent or dishonest conduct, or gross abuse of authority or discretion, with respect to the corporation…and removal is in the best interest of the corporation.”¹ In judicial proceedings, a court may also stipulate that the director who is removed may be barred from serving on the board for a proscribed period of time.

1. It is recommended that boards assess their performance either annually or at least every two to three years.What schedule,process,and tools are best suited to the needs of our organization? Do we know what is considered best practice and what steps similar organizations follow?
2. What steps can we take to ensure that information from the evaluation is used to improve the performance of the board? 
3. Who or what committee is responsible for initiating and leading board development and assessment? Does it have the necessary resources and authority to fulfill its responsibilities? 
4. Every board should have clearly established guidelines that outline the duties and responsibilities of individual board members. Are board members held accountable to these standards? Do we have a process for removing nonperforming board members?

8  Board Responsibilities

15 Board Education and Communication

17 Board Member Term Limits