Individual Board Members

Role Description- Individual Board Member

This Healthcare System and its subsidiary corporations are proud of and greatly appreciate the commitment that individual board members make to the success of the system and its subsidiaries.

Serving on the Board is a very time consuming commitment. Members are expected to serve on as many as two board committees. They are also expected to attend orientation and special education sessions. Occasional "ad hoc" task forces and board retreats require additional time commitments.

Board members work collaboratively with one another, with physicians, with the President and designated members of administration to shape and support the mission, goals, and strategic directions of the organization. Board members participate in policy level matters and do not become involved in operational issues.

Board members promote what is good for the organization as a whole, and do not sit on the Board as a formal representative of any one constituency group. The ultimate responsibility of board members is to help ensure that the organization fulfills its mission, is responsive to the healthcare needs of the regional community, and maintains fiscal viability. As community leaders, board members are in a unique position to help the organization develop a positive image within the community and gain the community support required to achieve its mission.

Board members support the fund raising efforts of the System or its member organizations. Within the parameters approved by the Board of Trustees, they also work closely with the President, in the Board's behalf, to serve as advocates of the organization with the community-at-large, with business leaders, with third party payors, and with legislators.

In order to effectively fulfill their responsibilities, board members are expected to attend all scheduled board meetings, all scheduled meetings of committees to which they have been assigned, all orientation and education meetings, and all board retreats. Board members are asked to continually evaluate their performance and reassess their ability to contribute to the work of the Board. A pattern of missing more than 70% of scheduled board meetings and meetings of Committees to which an individual has been assigned is grounds for removal from the Board.

Board and committee members must invest the time required to gain a thorough understanding of the work, goals and objectives of the respective Board and committees to which they have been assigned. They are encouraged to actively participate in discussion during full Board and committee meetings. Honest and open debate, which respects diverse opinions, is required for sound decision making. Once a vote has been taken, members have a duty to support the final decision or recommendation.

Board members must respect the confidential nature of the Board's work. They are also expected to declare any and all conflicts-of-interest during board deliberations and operate within the established conflict-of-interest policies of the Board.

Standards of Performance for Individual Board Members

The standards which board members are expected to meet in order to effectively fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities are as follows:

1. Serve on at least two board committees or task forces

2. Good attendance at all scheduled board and committee meetings (minimum standard of 70%).

3. Attendance at all orientation, and education sessions, and all board retreats.

4. Disclose and appropriately manage any conflict-of-interest

5. Active support for fund raising efforts of the Foundation (including personal contribution within ones means)

6. Adequately prepare for all board and committee meetings.

7. Actively participate in board and committee discussions.

8. Avoid becoming involved in operational matters.

9. Serve as a positive advocate for the organization within the community.

10. Support all final board decisions of the Board.

11. Maintain confidentiality related to board mattersNote: When a member has failed to meet any of the above standards within a given twelve month period, the Chair of the Board will contact the individual and discuss whether or not a change is possible. Failure to meet these standards two years in a row, should result in a request for resignation or removal from the Board of Trustees.

Sample Self-Evaluation Form for
Individual Board Member

Summary Of Board Member Participation In Board Work
1. Board Attendance ___ Mtgs Attended ___ Mtgs Missed ___% Attended

2. Committee Attendance

a. ____________ ___ Mtgs Attended ___ Mtgs Missed ___% Attended
b. ______________ ___ Mtgs Attended ___ Mtgs Missed ___% Attended
c. ____________ ___ Mtgs Attended ___ Mtgs Missed ___% Attended
d. ____________ ___ Mtgs Attended ___ Mtgs Missed ___% Attended

3. Other activities related to board work: _________________How satisfied are you with your contribution to the work of the Board during the past year?

Not Satisfied Very Satisfied
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

As you look to the coming year, which of the following is your preference? (check one)

___ I would like to get more involved.

___ I would like my involvement to remain about what it was this year.

___ I would like to bet less involved.

___ I am unable to make the required commitment and believe that I should resign

What, if anything, could be done to improve your contribution to the work of the Board?

Content Provided by
The Bristol Group

 

 

Shaping the Future of Health Care
33 Fuller Road • Augusta, Maine • 04330 • tel 207-622-4794 • fax 207-622-3073