What Goes into a Board Manual?

What goes in the board of directors manual?

A board manual serves two functions. For the new board member, it is an orientation handbook that provides useful information about the organization, board structure and operations, and fellow board members and staff. For the balance of a member’s board service, the manual then becomes an indispensable working tool and a central resource about the organization and the board. Materials can be added and removed to create an up-to-date reference. The board manual is developed by staff in consultation with the board chair and other officers.

Today, the most effective way to share the manual with all board members is to post it on a board member accessible website or Intranet. Include a table of contents and clearly divided and labeled sections. Date every item and replace material when necessary.

To develop a working manual that board members use and rely on,

• don’t overwhelm new board members with too much information. When several examples are available (e.g., current press clippings/links), include only one.
• keep each item brief. A two-paragraph biography of the chief executive is preferable to a four-page resume, for example.
• use the handbook as a “textbook” during board orientation
• encourage board members to read and ask questions about the material
• ask board members to evaluate the usefulness of the manual each year
• revise the contents or format based on their comments

A thorough board manual can include the following materials. (Remember to keep each item as concise as possible.)