Board performance reviews, also known as board evaluations, are a critical tool to ensure continuous improvement in governance and board-level decision making. Performed effectively, they foster accountability, increase investor and public confidence and help organisations align their strategic objectives.
Use our suite of resources, training courses and accreditation to bring assurance to your board performance review process — whether you're a board reviewer or part of a listed company, smaller enterprise, or not-for-profit.
What is a board performance review?
A board performance review is a method of measuring the effectiveness of a board. In the UK, all listed companies must undertake a review by an independent expert every three years, supplemented by an annual review. Meanwhile, even if it is not legally required it has become standard practice for all organisations to assess the quality of their boards, whether they are a non-profit, sporting body, health trust or other. Board performance reviews have led to increased investor and public confidence in the effectiveness of boards and better decision-making.
Generally, board performance reviews will examine the culture of the board, its structure, strategy and reporting functions. They are often facilitated by an independent adviser or service provider who will tailor the review depending on the size and sector of the organisation in question.
In the past, there has been little, if any, quality control over the providers of reviews, leading to some scepticism in the market that they are all good value for money. The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland has created a suite of resources, alongside training courses and a directory of accredited suppliers to bring more assurance to the board performance review process, without being prescriptive about how reviews are conducted.
Guidance
Training
Become an accredited board reviewer
Reassure potential clients of your ability to perform a valuable and effective board performance. If you operate a board performance review service, you can apply for CGIUKI accreditation and be added to our Directory of Accredited Board Performance Reviewers.
For Individuals
If you are an independent board performance reviewer you will be eligible to join our accreditation programme, by applying online:
You will need the following documents and prepared narratives to hand in order to upload them to complete your application.
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A statement of character and standing: should you have a criminal record or have been declared bankrupt you should contact CGIUKI who can discuss your application with you in more detail.
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Your CV - this should be uploaded as a word document or PDF.
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Your experience in conducting board reviews – this is an open text response with a 4,000-character limit. We would advise you to align your experience as far as possible to the CGIUKI Competency framework.
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References from two board chairs detailing your experience in undertaking board performance reviews – these can be uploaded as word documents or PDFs.
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At least two redacted board performance reviews that you have conducted in the last five years: these can be uploaded as either word documents or PDFs.
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Your certificated professional qualifications, uploaded as PDFs.
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A narrative account of your approach to continuing professional development, including activities within the last two years and your plans for the next twelve months, this is an open text response with 3,000 character limit.
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After submitting your application for accreditation and paying the assessment fee of £250, the information you provide will be reviewed by our expert team. You may be invited to our next scheduled panel interview which will be held in January, May and November each year.
After the panel has met, you will receive further communication regarding whether you have achieved accreditation.
If you are successful, you will be offered accreditation, upon payment of a £300 fee. We will provide you with a digital badge you can display on your own website and your details will be added to our Accreditation directory, which will be promoted as the source of exemplary providers.
Unsuccessful applicants will receive dedicated feedback to enable them to recommence the application process ready for the next panel interview session.
For Organisations
If you are a provider of board performance reviews and wish to gain accreditation for your employees, please email our accreditation team. Pricing is calculated on a case-by-case basis depending on the size of the organisation.