We are launching the Board Handbook—a free, practical guide for board members

Today we’re launching the Board Handbook—a free 13-page PDF that brings together all the essentials of board work in one place. Whether you’ve just been elected to the board or want to brush up on your skills, the handbook provides clear and practical guidance.

Why we created it

Board work is central to how organizations are governed and developed—but it’s not always clear what is actually expected of you as a board member. What should meeting minutes include? How far in advance must a notice of a meeting be issued? What does it mean to have a conflict of interest? What should a board evaluation cover?

We often encounter these questions—from new board members who want to get up to speed quickly and from experienced board members who want a clear reference document to rely on. This handbook is the answer to that need.

What this handbook contains

The handbook covers all aspects of board work in ten chapters—from the basics of what board work entails to how to conduct a structured board evaluation.

• 01
  What is board work?The basics, the differences between organizational structures, and what the board is actually responsible for.
• 02
  Roles and Responsibilities of the BoardChair, secretary, treasurer, member, and auditor. Plus rights, conflicts of interest, and personal liability.
• 03
  The Board Meeting, Step by StepFrom preparation and agenda to implementation and follow-up on decisions.
• 04
  Notice and AgendaWhat needs to be included, how much advance notice is required, and what happens if the notice is incorrect.
• 05
  Minutes and Decision LogHow to document decisions correctly and why the decision log is an underrated tool.
• 06
  Electronic signing with BankIDLegally valid, fast, and works for both internal and external parties.
• 07
  The Board's Annual CycleThe right questions at the right time. Monthly overview with focus areas for the entire board year.
• 08
  Before and after the meetingComplete checklists for associations, cooperatives, and corporations.
• 09
  Board EvaluationAreas of focus and methods for evaluating the Board’s work and improving collaboration.
• 10
  Digital Board Management with ReducaHow a modern board tool brings together the entire workflow—meetings, minutes, decisions, and signatures.

Who is it for?

This handbook is intended for anyone serving on a board—regardless of the organization’s structure or the individual’s experience. It has been developed for Swedish organizations and is based on current legislation governing nonprofit associations, economic associations, foundations, and limited liability companies.

Have you just been elected to the board and want to understand your roles and responsibilities from day one? Or are you an experienced board member looking for a clear reference guide to share with new colleagues? The Board Handbook is equally useful in both cases.

Download for free

The handbook is completely free of charge and may be shared with boards and organizations. Fill in your information on the landing page, and we’ll send it directly to your inbox.