Governance

Our governance solution results in the development and adoption of an institution-specific, best practice-based governance model. Our process incorporates four distinct activities that, at various stages, deeply engage board members in governance model planning and decision making.

Key Activities

Education and Selection

Activity 1: Model Education and Selection Session – We begin with an educational session designed to help board members deepen their understanding of the two model structures we support (Principles-Based Governance and Policy Governance). In the same session we facilitate the board’s determination of the model best suited to the credit union’s governance interests.

Model Development

Activity 2: Governance Model Development – We then work with board members (or a committee of board members and key stakeholders) to fully develop the chosen governance model. In the case of Principles-Based Governance, this effort involves the identification of governing principles, and the development of governance objectives, responsibilities, and workflows.

In the case of Policy Governance, this effort involves the development of Executive Limitation, Governance Process, and Delegation policies, and the creation of Ends policy.

Activity 3: Governance Model Approval – In the event model development is delegated to a committee, we work with the committee to present the completed model to the full board, facilitate board model Q&A, make model adjustments (if necessary), and obtain formal board approval for model adoption.

Model Migration

Activity 4: Migration Planning – Following model approval we work with the board or designated committee to develop a model migration plan outlining key migration dates and milestones, including migration milestone ownership/responsibilities.

Deliverables

At the conclusion of our strategy planning process, credit union clients possess:

• A best-practice governance model tuned to the credit union’s unique attributes and governance interests.
• A migration plan that outlines how the board will implement the model, thereby establishing execution accountability and assurance of implementation success.