Page 68 - C&A's Nonprofit Board Guide

SUCCESSION PLANNING

FOR NONPROFIT BOARDS

A problem that many organizations face with
succession planning is failing to start or failing
N onprofits that are serious about their own to finish. In order to prevent this from happening,
it may be beneficial to recruit one or two Board
sustainability should also be serious about
planning for the smooth and thoughtful leaders with the interest and skills to champion
transition of their leadership. Whether a transition this issue. These leaders can recruit others to
occurs due to an unexpected vacancy on the staff form a group that will help in the planning. It
or Board, or the anticipated transition of a long- is also important for the group to set a timeline
tenured leader, being ready with a plan in place A key element to having a good succession Many organizations have established standing and a completion date so that there is something
can help a nonprofit weather the inevitable storm plan is developing competency-based criteria committees of the Board that contain both Board to strive for. A useful tool to help Boards stay on
of leadership transition. An effective succession to be used as a guideline for recruiting and members and non-Board members. This is a top of succession planning is to develop a chart
planning process requires collaboration between electing Board members. These competencies great way to develop a farm system from which that can include the Board members, their length
Board members, executives, and key staff can be grouped into universal competencies to recruit if a Board position is opening. These of service, expiration of their current term, as
members. To be most effective, the planning, if that all Board members should possess and committee members are already engaged with well as committee and officer positions held.
possible, should be completed in advance of any essential collective competencies that one or the organization, are knowledgeable about the This will help give a clear picture of upcoming
departures. more Board members bring to help the Board organization, and are familiar with the Board vacancies that may need to be filled. In addition,
execute its responsibilities effectively. On at least and management. In addition, Board members it is important to open lines of communication
It is important for the Board members to secure an annual basis, the organization’s recruitment can gain some insight into committee member with Board members whose terms are expiring to
the organization’s future by clarifying direction needs should be analyzed by reviewing the effectiveness before they are brought onto the determine what their intentions for future Board
and ensuring effective leadership is in place. Board’s competencies that are in place and Board. or committee service will be.
Having a succession plan will help you to attract looking to fill any gaps based on anticipated
the right Board members when they are needed. vacancies or operational shortfalls. A list of Once a list of candidates is developed, the The quality of leadership of the Board members
The Board should work together to develop and prospective members should also be maintained candidates should have initial interviews/ of a nonprofit organization is extremely important
approve succession plans for various scenarios. and updated as necessary so that interviews can communications with other Board members. The to its ongoing success and sustainability. Poorly
It also may be of benefit to the Board to create be held when an opening arises. If the Board list of candidates should then be narrowed down handled transitions can wreak havoc on an
a Board committee to address transitional issues anticipates an opening within the next twelve to the eventual replacement after the Board has organization, while carefully planned and
in the case of an unexpected departure of an months, recommendations should be made for a reached a consensus. managed transitions actually set the organization
executive. replacement as soon as possible. up for greater success in the future.

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