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Asking the right questions is crucial to maximising the value of board evaluation to your organisation. A topline review where directors simply agree or disagree with a key statement tells a Chair very little. At Constal, all reviews are carried out by way of face to face, or virtual, interviews. This allows a much more probing, yet practical, approach.

Drawing on over 25 years’ experience of law and professional development I work in consultation with you to develop much more meaningful questions. My interviews require directors to consider key issues more closely. The responses I elicit are therefore much more specific and informative about the effectiveness of your board, presenting you with practical insights about areas that need attention.

Constal - A probing yet practical approach to board evaluation

Behaviours and attitudes

My first area of focus is the behaviours and attitudes of your board members.

My evaluation will help you determine,

for instance:

• if anything is hindering board members from speaking up
• how comfortable the board is with disagreement
• what is the attitude of executives to challenge

Processes and procedures

Next, I look at your organisation’s crucial processes and procedures, to ensure your board is able to make good decisions. I help you determine whether, for example:

• the board devotes adequate time to matters that make a real difference
• directors are getting the right quality and quantity of information to allow them to make good decisions
• the lines of communication are clear both to and from the board

Preparedness for the future

Finally I look at whether the board is prepared for the challenges ahead and has clarity around ambition:

• is there a value creation plan and is it well understood?
• are the executives held to account for delivery?
• how satisfied are the board with board succession planning and the strength of the bench of senior managers
• is risk management where it should be

Key Steps

Depending on your board meeting cycle, a review should be completed within 2-3 months. In short it involves:

• initial scoping meetings with Chair and Company Secretary
• observing board meeting
• face to face, or virtual, interviews with each board member and Company Secretary
• detailed analysis
• discussion of key findings with Chair and Company Secretary
• issue of final report and presentation to board if requested