Are you ready?

Checklist

• Have you received a copy of the community group's mission statement? Are you committed to this mission?
  
  
• Have you received a copy of the group's strategic plan? Are you happy to work within this plan for the good of the group?
  
  
• Have you received a copy of the group's constitution, articles of association and/or rules? Do you understand them? Can you work within them?
  
  
• Do you know about the group's history? Do you know its legal history? Are you satisfied that the group is run competently and thoughtfully?
  
  
• Do you know what is required of you as a Board member? Are you willing to contribute the time and skills necessary to meet the requirements?
  
  
• Are you aware of your legal, financial and ethical responsibilities? Are you confident that you will be able to fulfill them? Is there insurance in place? If not, are you willing to take on the role without it?
  
  
• Have you read the past minutes of Board meetings? Do you understand the culture of the Board and the decisions you are likely to face? Are they the sorts of decisions you would be prepared to make on behalf of the group? Are there any conflicts of interest that could arise?
  
  
• Have you read the group's most recent annual reports, newsletters and media clippings? Are you satisfied with the achievements of the group and the direction it is heading in?
  
  
• Have you examined the group's budget? Have you been provided with an auditor's report relating to the organisation's finances? Are you satisfied the finances are healthy and sustainable? Are there processes in place to ensure the finances are continually monitored?
  
  
• Have you been provided with a summary of the group's sources of donations and grants? Do you have any ethical problems with the funding sources? Are the sources sustainable?
  
  
• Do you understand the programs and projects that are carried out by the group? Are you aware of the group's public profile and is it one you are happy with?
  
  
• Have you spoken to other Board members? Are you confident that you can function well as part of the team?
  
  
• Have you fulfilled any membership requirements as stated in the group's constitution or articles of association?