The aim of Board Self-assessment is to ensure that members are aware of their responsibilities, that, as a Board, they ‘add value’ to the organisation and where their performance as a Board needs improvement this can be addressed.

The Self-assessment process also reassures members at large that the Board is giving due consideration to its governance responsibilities including its reputation for transparency and accountability. Board Members are invited to assess the effectiveness of the governance processes within the Board.

The instrument is custom designed to suit the following sectors:

• Not-for-profit
• Public sector, including health
• Education  

Expertise

The Centre for International Corporate Governance Research at Victoria University is recognised for its expertise in reviewing and designing corporate governance practices in both the public and private sector.

Anona Armstrong, author of the Board Self-assessment instrument, is Professor and Director of the Centre for International Corporate Governance Research. She is a leading expert in corporate governance practices and has authored several books on governance including a checklist for assessing corporate governance for Standards Australia’s “Guidelines for Board Governance”.

Dimensions

The Board Self-assessment instrument is taken by each Board member who is asked to rate the following dimensions using a sensitive 7-point scale:

2. Structures and Relationships, which describes the scope of board responsibilities

3. Accountability, which describes how the board monitors business activities

4. Compliance, which describes how business standards are met

5. Performance, which describes how the board monitors business outcomes

Framework

"All organisations need an effective risk management system. In years gone by, we thought it was embraced by having an effective internal control system in place. We all know now that this does not go far enough”. Wayne Cameron, Victoria Auditor General 2003

Reports

Benchmark. The Board Self-assessment instrument is customised to suit specific market sectors. As a diagnostic tool the self-assessment is benchmarked to AS800 and highlights areas of strength and areas that would benefit from improvement. In addition, results benchmark data against similar industries.

Fig 1. Board Self-assessment benchmark report

Fi g 2. Board Self- assessment profile report

Professional Services

We can assist with a variety of service level options, ranging from a fully automated process to a complete project implementation.