Assessment and Control Systems

The Panel on Accountability and Governance in the Voluntary Sector maintains that "implementing assessment and control systems" is among the non-profit board's key responsibilities.

It is your board's job to put in place systems that help the organization to operate responsibly, ethically, efficiently and effectively. Your board should examine all areas of organization operations, and then establish reasonable measures to control risk and to encourage the achievement of its goals.

The Panel on Accountability and Governance in the Voluntary Sector suggests that the board should establish an audit committee that annually reviews the organization's compliance with its bylaws, policies, control systems, and any rules, standards or laws that apply to the organization. The board is responsible to take action in any areas that the organization has insufficient controls, or does not comply with existing requirements.

Is your board performing its assessment and control accountabilities? Have a look at a few examples of assessment and control indicators.

By implementing and monitoring necessary assessment and control systems, your board may minimize the potential of mistakes and misdeeds, limit its liabilities, and help the organization to effectively and efficiently accomplish its mission.

For more information on effective board stewardship, take a look at your board's responsibility to plan for its own succession and diversity.

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