Literacy Basics - Community Literacy of Ontario

Activity

The Canadian Society of Association Executives (www.csae.com) provides a risk assessment checklist for boards in its resource Duties & Responsibilities of Directors of Non-Profit Corporations. It cautions that it's not an exhaustive list or the ultimate shield from liability but can be a good step towards reducing risk.

The list has been adapted and included below as an activity to assess your position in terms of risk management within your organization:

• Do you know your organization's mandate, mission, vision and objectives, operation policies and bylaws?
• Do you always act objectively and in the best interest of the organization?
• Do you prepare for all board meetings and all committee meetings by reviewing all agenda material and reports?
• Do you attend and participate in all board meetings and committee meetings for which you are a member?
• Do you keep careful notes at meetings and review the minutes of all meetings?
• Do you insist upon the establishment and regular review of operating policies and monitor staff adherence to them?
• Do you obtain outside expert advice whenever necessary?
• Do you disclose all personal dealings and/or conflict of interest as early as practical?
• Do you ensure that official minutes record all disclosures by directors of conflict of interest as well as any dissent to motions and abstention from voting?
• Do you ensure that there are effective internal systems and policies in place in all areas of organizational activity, particularly finance and human resources?
• Do you avoid possible conflict of interest situations?
• Do you ensure that the organization maintains a proper record-keeping system?

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