Our Pulse Check Governance review is an independent snapshot review of Board processes, including Board strategic processes, Board structure, constitution, Board compliance responsibilities and strategic operational issues that directly affect the governance of your organisation. This review has been specifically designed for organizations with a very limited budget for Board development, and for regional and rural based organizations.

This Pulse Check Governance review provides insights into the work of the Board and senior executives, and practical strategies and tools to improve the process, the decision making, and the outputs of the Board and senior executives. In addition, this process provides practical recommendations for action, and support to the Board and senior staff in achieving the necessary changes. This is an incredibly powerful process.

Background and Proposed Process

Conscious Governance has conducted extensive Board, governance and strategic operational external reviews of Nonprofit Boards over the past 20 years.

Conscious Governance was also commissioned by the Victorian State Government to develop and undertake a similar process for 23 government funded Nonprofit entities (Local Learning and Employment Networks) in the education sector.

We have worked with a number of employment industry, health, housing, education and disability organisations in developing their Board and operational evaluation processes and their strategic plans.

Conscious Governance has also conducted high level governance reviews for a large number of Olympic sports on behalf of the Australian Sports Commission.

The process would include the following:

• Desktop review of relevant documentation. This would include at least the following: last 2 Board minutes and agendas, strategic plan, risk plan, constitution, the Governance policy documentation, Board induction program, Board and senior executive performance reviews, public reporting such as annual reports, financial reports, other relevant material as agreed. (2 days)

• In-house face-to-face Chair/CEO interviews against the Critical Areas of governance (See Addendum at end of invitation). Each of these Critical Areas will be investigated, and a summary report with key recommendations for the Board/CEO to implement will be provided (1.5 days)

• Optional: We will attend one Board meeting as an observer, to assist in analysis of meeting structure and practices, and the dynamics of the group. Formal feedback will be provided to the Chair. We will also attend a second Board meeting 8-12 months later to reassess the dynamics and processes of the Board. A further report will be provided

• Optional: Attend Board meeting to answer questions regarding the reports recommendations.