Value of Governing and Advisory Boards
Both governing and advisory boards, when operating effectively and efficiently, can make significant and valuable contributions to a career school. How would you present, to senior management or school owners, the value of the two types of boards?
Brooke,
Since the Governing Board's job is to monitor the financial health of the organization and all businesses want to be financially healthy, the value of this type of board speaks for itself to senior management and other stakeholders. With respects to Advisory Boards, having valuable input and feedback from those in the field with respects to curriculum and placement is highly valuable. Board members can serve as a great resource to the Placement Services Team and as you stated: "...the outcomes and success of the school."
Dr. Robert Roehrich
Bring in examples from other schools who utilize both board members and the outcome and success of the school
Troy,
I would suggest you develop a "T" table with the descriptions of each type of board, one the left and the other on the right, then use this as a visual to communicate the differences between the two broad types. After illustrating the differences and explaining the values to senior management, you will need to specifically determine how the boards will be utilized in support of your school and programs. Be sure to solicit questions from your management team, which should provide substantial opportunity for you to elaborate and communicate your vision for the each board's contribution.
Dr. Robert Roehrich
I would explain to them the value and how effective they would be if used properly.
Ignacio,
Utilizing your boards to serve distinct, but related functions will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of each board. Advisory boards should be selected as carefully as your governing board to ensure the information you are getting is both current and forward thinking. A combination of board members who have both accreditation occupational experience can be of value in dual capacities.
Dr. Robert Roehrich
In our school we have so far been relying upon the role of the governing board. We have been using advisory boards mainly for specific projects or focused assignments. Now we are establishing an Advisory board for accrediting reasons, and are thrilled with the prospect of enhancing quality and taking us closer to the market
Jeanne,
These are good answers to the Forum question. Perhaps you could add that the governing board is legally bound to be the fiduciary overseer of the organization. In addition to monitoring the decisions of the CEO and senior leadership, the governing board is required to have a solid grasp on governance policies and procedures, evaluation, hiring and firing of the CEO when necessary and maintaining a grasp on the financial status of the organization. If an action from a governing board reflects the majority of the board, it is incumbent on the organization to follow through.
You are right on target with your response pertaining to advisory boards. Note that input and suggestions aren't binding, as they would be from a governing board. The real value of advisory boards is to gain outside perspectives from industry experts who are also committed to the mission and goals of the organization. Management has to be cautious in selecting and vetting potential advisory board members to ensure that the objective of the member is to provide meaningful advice and is not just ego driven. Some advisory board members who were selected because they were referred or knew someone in the organization, just use the experience to add to their resume. How would you propose "vetting" potential members for each type of board, from the information you have gained from this course?
Dr. Robert Roehrich
With the governing board being a requirement, the value add is not something that one would often have to defend, but if so, would be easy to do. Just as our nations judicial system and government have checks and balances in place to ensure equality and drive governance that is in the best interest of the people, the governing board serves as a check and balance to ensure the CEO and leadership are making decisions that have the best interest of the organization, and it's employees in mind. Advisory boards may be a bit more challenging to defend, but that is not to say they are less value added. The benefits of the advisory board that I would highlight include the ability to introduce external points of view, build on technical knowledge and expertise, and create a forum for healthy debate on best approach to programs.
Timothy ,
This sounds like a good strategy. I would add to your approach an element of board development and training to establish consistent board practices and create a continuing evolution of training and awareness of board responsibilities.
Dr. Robert Roehrich
I would likely appeal to elements of time and effectiveness.
I would try to sell them on the fact that in some cases they don’t need to navigate unfamiliar waters alone and that putting together a good governance structure and a board of advisers would create a powerful asset that could be useful to them when they need to get objective advice, compare against competitors, gauge trends, seek new strategic positions, have introductions made or build enrollment, etc. not to mention to comply with law as applicable.
Arthur,
Thank you for your comment. I would add, one of the significant differences between governance and advisory boards is the emphasis placed on fiscal matters. Governing boards have fiduciary responsibility for the financial health of the institution, whereas advisory boards only address financial matters affecting delivery, effectiveness or outcomes. Another key role of advisory board members is to assist career services personnel in networking within the industry and local community.
Dr. Robert Roehrich
What is presented in the first lesson is right on target. In the United States as in other countries businesses in general seek outside assistance in the form of governing Boards and/or advisory boards. And even though they differ in scope, they both provide support in the area of guidance and mentorship. The challenge is in its implementation. Whereas the Governing board has a legal responsibility to act for the good of the organization, the outcome can be less than favorable. The Advisory board goal in program creation can only be successful if the industry in question can become better because of the school’s contribution.
Carolyn,
I might be able to help. Are you looking specifically for an educator with ABHES or another healthcare related accreditor, or would someone with regional or national accreditation fit the bill?
Dr. Robert Roehrich
Carolyn,
I've searched my files and the Internet, sorry to report I did not locate the type of article you requested. If you come across one, I'd like very much to see it. I will continue to search a other board sources.
Dr. Robert Roehrich
Would you be willing to share a research article that supports or provides evidence to support the contribution of a board to an institution? Thank you. Dr. Carolyn Farrell
Anna, could you share the constituents of your advisory board? Our school offers nursing and healthcare related diplomas and degrees. We are in the process of forming an Advisory Committee in anticipation of starting the accreditation process. To date we have commitments from 2 local high school guidance counselors, 2 human resource professionals at local medical facilities, a nursing supervisor at a local medical facility and an equipment vendor. I would like to add an educator but am uncertain of who would provide the best oversight without risking proprietary information.
Dr. Carolyn Farrell
John,
Dr. Robert Roehrich
John,
Happy New Year!
You comment is completely correct! Advisory boards, when properly administered provide a valuable service to an institution; however, it is always up to staff or senior management team to determine what it accepts and implements from the advisory committee. That said, there should always be a feedback loop back to the committee to keep them informed about there results of their input. Managing the committee's meeting agendas and follow-up communications are important steps to guide the committee in the making thoughtful recommendations to management.
Do you have an example of when an advisory committee made a recommendation that management did not support and how that action was communicated back to the committee?
R. Roehrich
Since an advisory board provides general advice which would then be evaluated by staff and senior management, the governing board could take whatever required actions to carry out a plan.
Since the Governing Board's job is to monitor the financial health of the organization and all businesses want to be financially healthy, the value of this speaks for itself to stakeholders. With respects to Advisory Boards, having valuable input and feedback from those in the field with respects to curriculum and placement is highly, highly valuable. Board members can serve as a great resource to the Placement Services Team.
