Services

Board Governance Assessments

Boards increasingly view assessments as a vital tool for maximizing their own effectiveness.  Some Boards conduct assessments as a regular check in on performance, with a goal of continuous improvement.  In other cases, Boards recognize there are challenges but struggle with identifying root causes and building consensus on a path forward.  Still others are seeing changes in their broader context and want to make sure their governance is ready to respond.

Board assessments conducted by an independent, neutral third party, can help identify performance issues and facilitate the development of approaches to addressing those issues. Laura designs and undertakes tailored, comprehensive Board assessments that may include interviews, focus groups and/or surveys, leading to a report on findings with recommendations for governance improvement.

Laura is always happy to work with her clients to refine her processes to meet their needs and context.

Customized Board Learning Services and Facilitation

Public purpose organizations operate in a world where pressures to be more effective, efficient, responsive and innovative are constant. For the Boards of Directors who lead these organizations, ensuring sound governance is critical to organizational success.  Yet achieving good governance isn’t easy.  Given the significant responsibilities associated with serving on a Board, Boards and board members must understand their obligations and what they are (and are not) supposed to be doing. Unfortunately, Boards often struggle to both understand and properly fulfill these roles and responsibilities.

Laura works with her clients to understand who they are and what they want to achieve, and then designs and delivers custom learning opportunities that will help them get there.

Laura offers half-day and full-day learning programs that can be tailored to either a specific Board of Directors’ learning needs or adapted to meet the broader needs of a multi-faceted group.  All sessions include a mix of presentations, small group work and plenary discussions.

Laura is also available to design and facilitate Board retreats.

Governance Renewal Implementation Support

While reviewing governance and finding a path forward are important, implementing desired changes is where the rubber hits the road. Laura supports organizations in implementing governance change, including facilitating sessions, preparing implementation plans, drafting policies and terms of reference, and/or advising a task force or committee created to lead the implementation process.

Strategy Development

Because mission matters, strategy, and the Board’s role in its development and implementation, also matter. Strategy is a critical tool for every Board and organization, as it is a key driver of mission delivery.  Laura supports Boards, CEOs and staff in the development or review of mission, vision and values, the completion of SWOT analysis and environmental scans, and the planning and facilitation of strategy sessions.  Laura may also support the drafting of strategic plans and implementation plans.