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WHAT WE DO

Deep listening, then deep thought.

Our approach

A structured approach

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Governance problems are rarely caused by bad people or a wrong decision. 

 

We find governance challenges develop gradually, and are often predictable. Boards naturally turnover. One director coming or going can shift the board’s ‘personality’ and its collective capability. As changes happen, the board re-forms -- inheriting whatever has been normalized.

 

Our governance effectiveness framework is where we start: what information we gather, what questions we ask, and how we report back. 

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Once the core essentials are covered, we go where the conversation goes.

Five ways that we help boards excel

We help boards move from uncertainty to informed action: building sustainable effectiveness across a continuum of services.

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01 — Diagnose
Gaining Clarity on the Issues

An independent take on how your board actually works — board structures, practices, behaviour — and a short list of what to change first. 

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Examples:

  • Governance review

  • Organizational or operational review

  • Program evaluation

  • Funding model analysis

  • Financial review

  • Policy analysis

  • Stakeholder consultation and analysis

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04 — Learn
Building Governance Capability

For organizations that have foundational board development needs, or would like to dig into more advanced topics, we provide a range of training and development options that emphasize the board’s oversight role and assist directors in developing appropriate governance-level questions.

 

Our coaching programs that help board chairs and committee chairs to run more effective meetings and get more out of every director in the room.

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Examples:

  • Customized Board Training (e.g. financial oversight, risk oversight, CEO search and selection, performance evaluation, director fiduciary responsibilities, and much much more!)

  • Annual Director Development

  • Director Orientation Programs

  • Chair / Committee Chair Coaching

What’s On Your Mind?

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02 — Design
Aligning on a Future Vision

Whether changes are large or small, we help you figure out a better way. 

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We work with you to envision a new governance model, policy framework or new accountability structure that is shaped around your actual mission, strategy, and stakeholders.

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Examples:

  • Governance models or structures

  • Membership structures

  • Organizational design

  • Management structure

  • Role definition

  • Board committee mandates

  • Reporting structures

  • Board composition and director profiles

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05 — Embed
Outsourced governance support

Our senior team of former Corporate Secretaries and Senior Board Admins can work as an extension of your team through challenging times on a short or long term basis, as things change and new practices are fully embedded.

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We’re with you in meetings, supporting your decisions until the new way of working is simply how you work.

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Agendas, minutes, records and compliance items handled with care, at the standard a board deserves.

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Examples:

  • Corporate Secretary Services (part-time)

  • Board Admin Support

  • Board Planning and Logistics

We are always happy to connect.

 

Let’s discuss what’s on your mind and go from there.

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03 — Implement
Bringing decisions to life

Whatever is needed for your organization, we can help you do. Bylaws, terms of reference and delegation that fit your organization. Documents people can actually use.

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We work alongside the board and senior leadership team to implement your decisions, usually on a project basis.

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Examples:

  • Policywriting and policy management frameworks

  • Project management

  • Strategic planning

  • Management reports, tools and templates

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