General Legal Responsibilities & Liability

The board is responsible in five key areas:

1) To establish the organization's mission, vision, and direction

• mission , vision and values
• strategic planning
• programs and services
• evaluation

2) To ensure the financial health of the organization

• responsible for ensuring there are adequate financial resources for the work of the organization

3) To ensure the organization has sufficient and appropriate human resources

• responsible for the working conditions in the organization
• responsible for hiring, giving direction to and evaluating the senior staff person
• responsible for ensuring the capability, suitability and vitality of its membership
• responsible for ensuring the existence of a Nominating Committee

4) To direct organizational operations

• responsible for ensuring that the organization and its directors are in compliance with its legal requirements
• responsible for ensuring that the board works effectively
• oversees organizational structure and agency administration

5) To ensure effective community relations

• respond to changing needs/pressures in the community
• find new ways to meet needs
• use marketing and public relations

(provided by United Way of Canada - Centraide Canada)

 

Resources - Websites and Documents

Sample Board of Director Policies and Procedures - by CharityVillage.com

Roles and responsibilities for not-for-profit boards by Board Development Program, Volunteer Services Branch

Legal Responsibilities of Boards - by College of Continuing Education

Financial Responsibilities of Not-For-Profit Boards - by Wild Rose Foundation Board Development Program

RCVO listing of resources on Board roles and responsibilities

Six Steps in the Evaluation Process - by boarddevelopment.org

Mandate of Authority (Responsibilities Matrix) - by boarddevelopment.org

Organizational Checklist - by boarddevelopment.org