In 2009, Independent Sector partnered with BoardSource to create the Principles Workbook: Steering Your Board Toward Good Governance and Ethical Practice. The workbook was designed to encourage boards and staff to review and implement the 33 practices recommended by the Principles for Good Governance and Ethical Practice.
After the success of the Workbook, IS and BoardSource collaborated again to produce a webinar series to give nonprofit boards and staff members further assistance in determining how to apply the Principles most effectively to their operations. They draw on the workbook's practical approach and offer specific guidance on selected principles.
Archived webinars are available only to staff at IS member organizations.
Board Roles and Responsibilities (10/29/09)
Facilitator: Vernetta Walker, director of consulting, BoardSource
Principles covered: 8, 9, 17, 18, 19, 20
An effective board must have a clear understanding of its collective responsibilities and those of individual board members. This webinar discusses essential practices, including meetings, rotation, and review of mission, goals, and key governance documents. The presentation also addresses how to utilize the Principles Workbook to help their boards with these fundamentals. First-time board members and governance veterans alike can use this information their effort to ensure that the board and organization remain on the right track.
Legal Compliance and Public Disclosure (11/12/09)
Facilitator: Susan Meier, vice president of consulting and training, BoardSource
Principles covered: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
and 7
Today more than ever, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements must be accompanied by making information on these efforts available to the public. This presentation covers essential policies and practices to ensure each organization is transparent and accountable. These elements include practices for managing conflicts of interest, code of ethics, whistleblower policies, document destruction, and record retention.
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Effective Governance (12/3/09)
Facilitator: Vernetta Walker, director of consulting, BoardSource
Principles covered: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
While no two nonprofit boards are completely alike, there are hallmarks of good governance that are universal. This webinar helps participants understand the importance of having effective governance structures in place and will cover the critical topics of board diversity, chief executive and board evaluation, separation of powers, and appropriate board size and structure.
Strong Financial Oversight (12/17/09)
Facilitator: David Styers, senior governance consultant, BoardSource
Principles covered: 21, 22, 23 24, 25, 26
While the vast majority of nonprofits are committed to transparency and accountability, in recent years there have also been notable examples of poor practice. Often the trouble has involved financial mismanagement, including a lack of financial oversight by the board. This session walks participants through the importance of keeping accurate financial records, the board's role in financial oversight, and important practices for resource allocation and expense policies.
Responsible Fundraising (1/7/10)
Facilitator: David Styers, senior governance consultant, BoardSource
Principles covered: 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 22, 33
Every day across the United States, nonprofit board members go into their communities and solicit funds for their organization. Many of these individuals have no background or training in fundraising, especially regarding policies and practices needed to help protect organizations and donors. Covering topics from truthfulness in fundraising materials to compliance with donor intent, from privacy laws to fundraiser compensation, this webinar lays out the information that boards need to ensure their organization is a compliant, responsible fundraising organization.
Ask the Consultant (2/4/10)
Facilitators: Vernetta Walker, Andrew Davis, and Emily Heard
This series of webinars has been designed to assist your board in implementing the Principles Workbook: Steering Your Board Toward Good Governance and Ethical Practice. Participants in each of the previous webinars have had more questions -- about compliance, governance practices, and implementing the Principles -- than there has been time to answer. In response, we are pleased to offer a special “Ask the Consultant” webinar conversation on Thursday, February 4 at 3:00 p.m. ET . Vernetta Walker, Andrew Davis, and Emily Heard will address your specific questions about nonprofit governance and accountability during this unique online conversation. Submit questions in advance for full consideration by these consultants, or add questions and comments using the chat feature during the webinar.
