by Paul Lines

Created on: February 06, 2008

In many ways, non-profit organisations, many of which are registered charities, have a much deeper and broader level of responsibilities than their commercial counterparts. The funds they collect and distribute are not their own and the main stakeholders of such organisations, usually those who provide the funds and the beneficiaries, do not have the same degree of protection from wrongdoing that is available to shareholders in a commercial company.

Because of this situation, it is therefore vitally important that a non-profit organisation has an effective and efficient board. The question this raises is how does the organisation attack the process of selecting such board members. In reality, this question can be answered by seeking individuals who have the following qualities.

Commitment and Integrity

Being a board member for a non-profit organisation is not simply a matter of becoming a figurehead for a cause that the applicant may have an interest in, or a way of getting oneself noticed. The position is a serious and important role, which requires commitment and dedication. The board member must be fully committed to the aims and objectives of the organisation and ensuring that these are upheld and focused upon by all who are involved.

Furthermore, the board member must be a person of the highest integrity. They must be reliable and honest. Whatever level of time they agree to devote to the organisation should be honoured. Similarly, the member must be honest in all of their involvement with the operations, for example, not be using the position for their own ends.

Experience

Because generally board member positions in a non-profit organisation are lowlier paid than other board positions, experience is often an issue within the board structure.

Ideally, in the selection process, the organisation needs to look for members who have experience in certain areas. For example, they will need some knowledge of how boards operate and what their duties and responsibilities are. Preferably, he or she should also have a certain level of experience in the product or service that the organisation is offering. For example, if it is a medical charity, some knowledge of medical processes would be advantageous. Furthermore, if there is knowledge on the intricate workings of charitable and non-profit organisations this would also be beneficial.

The more experience the board member has in any of the above areas; the better will be their ability to ensure the workings of the organisation

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