Board Self-Assessment & Individual Evaluation

One of the most important pillars of excellence in governance is conducting a board self-assessment; it is often
seen as a hallmark of high-performing boards. Board self-assessments and individual board member evaluations
provide an opportunity to reflect on performance, collect data on all areas of board oversight and allow board
members to further understand the breadth of their role – individually and as a whole governing entity. These
tools also help boards chart a course for improvement, refinement and progress for the future.

An effective board evaluation process should:

• Refresh board members’ understanding of the board’s role and responsibilities;
• Identify important areas of board operation that need attention or improvement;
• Measure progress toward existing plans, goals and objectives;
• Define/refine the criteria for an effective and successful board;
• Build trust, respect and communication among board members and the President/CEO;
• Enable individual board members to assess their own contributions and work more effectively
  as part of a team.
  In order to be successful and to maximize effectiveness of the assessment and application of its results, boards
  must take the process seriously, answer honestly, and have a mindset of improvement. Though it may result in
  some difficult conversations, the board should review and discuss the results together, identify gaps and develop a
  plan for improvement.

Best Practices

• Frequency: Incorporate regular self-assessment into your board’s activities and compare
  performance and effectiveness over time.
• Benchmark: Compare results with similar type and size governing boards at peer and
  national hospitals using benchmark data.
• Engage: Call on your board’s Governance Committee to conduct your board
  self-assessment, and ensure anonymity when collecting responses.
• Tools: Consider utilizing Texas Healthcare Trustees’ Online Board Self-Assessment toolkit,
  or engage a facilitator to compile and analyze the data collected.
  

Ready to get started? THT offers their own BSA, click here for more information.

A comprehensive board and individual self-assessment should address the understanding and evaluation of the following:
BOARD SELF-ASSESSMENT

PERSONAL EVALUATION

• New board member orientation was conducted, as applicable
• Knows and follows requirements for continuing education
• Understands major roles and responsibilities
• Effectively represents the organization in the community
  • Follows and understands health care trends