New to the Board? Here we list practical tips and advice!

Being elected to a board is an exciting and important task. It is an opportunity to contribute to the development of your organization, but it can also feel overwhelming at first. Here are some tips to help you get started and feel confident in your new role.

1. get to know the organization

First of all, it is important to understand the purpose, vision and goals of the organization. Read through the statutes, previous meeting minutes and business plans. Understand how the organization works and what the challenges are.

• Ask for an introduction if it is not already offered.
• Get to know other board members and their responsibilities.

2. Know your obligations

As a board member, you have legal and ethical obligations to consider. Some key areas to understand are:

• Responsibilities: Ensure that the organization complies with laws and regulations.
• Finance: Have a basic understanding of budgets and financial reports.
• Confidentiality: Handle information with care and respect confidential data.

3. active participation

Your role on the Board is not just about attending meetings - it's about being engaged and actively contributing.

• Read documents before meetings and prepare for discussions.
• Ask questions and give your views.
• Take responsibility for any tasks you undertake.

4. communicate effectively

Good communication is the key to successful board work.

• Actively listen to the opinions of others.
• Be clear and concrete when expressing your own.
• Collaborate and build good relations with both the Board and the members of the organization.

5. Stay focused on strategy

The main task of the Board is to work strategically, not operationally. This means that you should focus on:

• Set direction and goals for the organization.
• Reviewing results and ensuring that targets are met.
• Leave the daily work to operational staff or members.

6. Seek support and advice

No one expects you to know everything from scratch. If you feel unsure, don't hesitate to ask for help or seek more information.

• Take advantage of any training offered.
• Ask experienced board members for advice.
• Find resources online or in literature on governance.

7. develop your role

As a new member of a board, it is important to give yourself time to grow into the role.

• Reflect on your strengths and how you can best contribute.
• Be open to feedback and use it to develop.
• Be patient - it takes time to get comfortable with all aspects of the work.

In conclusion

Being part of a board is a unique opportunity to make a difference. By preparing, being committed and seeking support when needed, you will soon feel confident and able to contribute in the best way. Good luck to you!