Resource Library
In Part 7 of CLCC’s Board Development Toolkit, we explore why board accountability and evaluation matter. Accountability and evaluation are essential components of effective governance and organizational success. While there is some overlap with the “Diagnostic Tools” section, accountability and evaluation emphasize the cyclical nature of board development: diagnosing challenges, implementing improvements, assessing their effectiveness, and refining further. This process ensures that boards remain focused, efficient, and aligned with their land trust’s mission.
By integrating accountability and evaluation practices, boards can:
- Track progress toward strategic goals.
- Identify areas for growth and improvement, including board training opportunities
- Foster transparency and trust among board members and stakeholders.
- Understand what skills, experiences and networks the board may be lacking to fulfill its role and goals, which can inform recruitment efforts.
Key Tools for Accountability and Evaluation
Board Assessments
Regular assessments are critical for evaluating both governance and operational effectiveness. Annual evaluations provide a structured opportunity to review board and committee performance, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and identifying areas for improvement. Governance assessments focus on the board’s roles, responsibilities, and effectiveness in strategic oversight, while operational assessments evaluate the board’s contributions to programs, fundraising, advocacy, and other essential functions.
Examples & Resources:
- Board Self-Assessment Sample – Courtesy Stanford Law School
Individual Assessments
Unlike organizational assessments, self assessments allow individual board members to reflect on their contributions, remind themselves of their expectations, and identify areas where they may need additional support or training. When aggregated, the results can offer valuable insights into the board’s collective strengths and areas for growth. It can also be useful to link these assessments with the roles and responsibilities that board members agreed to when joining the organization.
Examples & Resources:
- Board Self-Assessment Survey Sample – Courtesy Connie Manes, Manes Consulting
- Board Member Self-Evaluation – Courtesy Mark Smiley, Metamorphic Consulting
Codes of Conduct and Community Agreements
Clarifying expectations for how board members engage with each other and with the organization is just as important as tracking outcomes. Tools like codes of conduct and community agreements help establish shared norms and foster a respectful, inclusive, and productive board culture. These agreements may outline expectations for communication, decision-making, confidentiality, and conflict resolution. When thoughtfully created and revisited regularly, they help reinforce accountability, build trust, and provide a foundation for addressing interpersonal challenges when they arise.
Examples & Resources:
- Community Agreements: What & Why – Courtesy Megan Motil, Parallel Solutions
- Building Your Own Community Agreement – Courtesy Megan Motil, Parallel Solutions
We’re Here to Help!
The Connecticut Land Conservation Council is committed to supporting land trusts in all phases of board development, including board evaluation. Contact us to learn more about our programs and how we can assist your land trust in achieving its goals. Whether it’s a Boardroom Briefing or a tailored visioning session for your land trust, CLCC is here to help.