The effectiveness of a board depends on both the model selected and the people on the board.

Systems alone do not ensure a good board. The key elements on the human side of board effectiveness are:

• commitment
• competence
• diversity
• collective decision-making power

As well, the importance of being open and transparent of activities to the public at large, in communications between the organization and its members, and in relations with funders and stakeholders is key to successful stewardship.

Role of the Board

Cyril Houle defines the board's role and responsibilities based on the three different activities of the organization:

Governance: The policies developed by the board that give overall direction to the agency.

Management: The board takes actions and makes decisions to ensure there are sufficient and appropriate human and financial resources for the organization to accomplish its work.

Operations: These are the activities, services or programs of the organization. The board has no mandatory role in this area. Many boards see this work as the responsibility of the board and staff. However, dependent on the Board Model, used some boards choose to actively participate in the operations due to philosophy or limited resources.

When determining the role of the board, it is important to address two key facets:

1. To identify the Areas of Board Responsibility as a collective of individuals
2. To identify the General Responsibilities of Individual Board Members