Thirty questions for Chairs, senior independent directors and boards looking closely at how they work. Reflect on the behaviours, information and decisions that shape board effectiveness.
Free PDF · 29 pages · Reflection worksheet
By Beyond Governance
- Examine six areas of board effectiveness
- Record specific examples and areas of uncertainty
- Identify five questions that deserve further attention
A closer look at how your board works
How does the board reach a decision? Who challenges a proposal, and what happens when they do? Specific questions about behaviour and experience can reveal issues that a general discussion of board performance leaves unexplored.
The Board Effectiveness Self-Assessment provides 30 questions across six areas, with space for written answers and reflection. Developed by Beyond Governance, it helps you prepare for a more focused conversation about the board you have today. It supports personal reflection and does not independently establish the board’s effectiveness.
Six areas of board effectiveness
Composition and capability
Consider whether the board’s skills, experience and perspectives fit the organisation’s needs.
Chairing and dynamics
Explore influence, participation and the way difficult conversations are handled around the board table.
Decision quality
Reflect on how proposals are examined, alternatives considered and important decisions reached.
Information and board papers
Examine the information directors receive and whether it supports informed oversight and discussion.
Challenge culture
Consider whether directors can question assumptions and executive proposals openly and constructively.
Succession and the future
Review how the board prepares for changes in leadership and the organisation’s future requirements.
Who the worksheet is for
Board Chairs, senior independent directors, non-executive directors, company secretaries and governance professionals preparing for a board discussion or effectiveness review.
A question from the worksheet
“When was the last time the board said no to a meaningful executive proposal?”
Why download the worksheet
It encourages you to answer with examples and to notice where an answer is difficult. The final reflection asks you to select the five questions that concern you most, giving you a focused starting point for follow-up.
How to use it
Complete the worksheet individually, using recent experience to inform your answers. Review the six section reflections and choose the five issues to explore further. It can help you prepare for a review, while an externally facilitated review remains a separate exercise.
Download the Board Effectiveness Self Assessment
Bring more specific questions to your next conversation about board performance.
Button: Download the self assessment
Related resources
Implementing Board Effectiveness Review Recommendations
The Succession Readiness Review
Further support
Explore our board effectiveness reviews if your board is considering an externally facilitated review.
