accountability

As discussed in the previous post, accountability is critical for the ongoing viability of your organisation.  This builds trust as well as support from the people in the community and those that actively engage with your organisation.

Here is a check list that your board could use to assess and identify ways to improve the accountability and transparency of your own organisation.

  • When a new board member joins the organisation they undergo an induction that provides an overview of the organisation and also makes clear their roles and responsibilities.
  • Ensure each board member understands the implications of a conflict of interest and understands what they need to do if they occur.  In addition, at each board meeting the Chair should ask whether any member needs to declare a conflict of interest based on the Agenda for that meeting.
  • Minutes of meetings are properly recorded and, other than confidential issues, are made available to the public.
  • Accurate and up to date financial reports are prepared on a regular basis and independently audited at least once a year.
  • Policies are reviewed on an ongoing basis and updated as needed including reports in relation to the compliance or breaches of any policies.
  • There is a fair and open complaints process that ensures issues that are raised will be appropriately handled and responded to. 

While these points have more of a focus on legal and formal issues there are a number of informal points that could also be used.  These will be discussed in the next post.