It is imperative that each board reviews its policies on a regular basis. What does that really mean? Does it mean asking, “Does anyone think we need any changes to our policies on X topic?” Does it mean approaching current policies as if the board is looking to criticize work that was completed by former boards? I think it means asking meaningful questions. Some of these questions are outlined below.
- Is this a governance responsibility?
- Why was this policy adopted?
- On whose terms was it adopted?
- What were the politics surrounding the policy?
- What were the fiscal constraints that drove that policy?
- What were the imposed expectations that influenced that policy?
- Have circumstances changed since that policy was adopted?
- Has the policy directed any decisions?
- Has the board made decisions which contravene this policy?
- Whose interest does this policy serve?
- Who are we marginalizing by having this policy?
- What compromises did the board make when it adopted this policy?
- Does the policy serve any purpose, really?
- Can the policy be implemented as written?
- Is the policy area in the board’s control?
- Can the policy be measured and its effectiveness evaluated?
- Has the policy ever been evaluated?
- Is the policy ethical and morally appropriate?
- Does the policy protect the culture of the entity?
- Is the policy in line with the values of the board?
- Does the board need to keep this policy, modify it or leave the statement as it is currently written?
When was the last time your board completed a policy analysis? Did it ask any of these questions? Are these questions helpful? Are there other questions which should be asked? If you have a different list and would like to share them, send them to [email protected] and we will share them with our audience.
