A good induction experience for new directors is integral to engaging them with an organisation and supporting them to stay on as an effective director.
Providing a well-structured induction process and the opportunity for a new director to use, build and develop their skills, is cited as one of the key reason’s directors decide to remain on a board.
A good trustee/director Induction will include:
1. An induction to the organisation and its people
An invitation to meet with new directors should be planned at a convenient time for potential directors. The opportunity should be taken to introduce the potential trustees/directors to key trustees/directors and staff members:
- Chairperson
- Chief Executive
- Staff Members
- Volunteers
Equally, potential trustees/directors should be introduced to the working environment of the charity its core services and activities, where possible to provide an all-round experience of the organisation.
2. An information pack containing key documents for trustees/directors
- Governing Document
- The latest annual report & annual accounts
- Statement of directors Liabilities
- Frequency and timings of board meetings along with the board meeting schedule
- Past minutes of board meetings (between 6 and 12 months of minutes)
- List and short biographies of board of directors
- Organisational structure and senior staff biographies
- Background/history of the organisation – current publicity and leaflets
- Organisational strategy/operational plans
- Relevant/applicable policy documents
- Expense policy
- Code of conduct
- Conflict of interest declaration
- Eligibility declaration
- Volunteering policy
- Summary of funding and projects
- Outline of partnerships relationship with stakeholders
- Information about trustee/directors training and development