Board Training Session Descriptions

Sessions outlined below address different dimensions of legal aid board’s roles and responsibilities. 

Introduction Introduces the legal aid context and core values underlying the Board Development Training curriculum as well as the leadership dimension of governance that is reflected throughout.

Board of Directors: Roles & Responsibilities Provides an introduction to roles and responsibilities of civil legal aid boards as a whole as well as roles and responsibilities of individual board members.

Board – Staff Partnership  Examines the respective roles and responsibilities of the organization’s board members and staff, potential areas of confusion about these and areas that require a strong board/staff partnership. It also examines the critical roles of the board chair and Executive Director in facilitating the productive work of the board.

Relations with the Chief Executive Examines the board’s role in relation to the Chief Executive, specifically in terms of recruitment, hiring, support and evaluation.

Board Development Reviews tools and techniques for developing a strong, active board that reflects a broad cross-section of low-income, legal and other communities and ensures all board members’ full and meaningful participation in board activities and decision-making. 

Board Dynamics Examines structures and strategies for ensuring that board meetings are optimally productive by building agendas that focus on policy and strategy rather than management and that utilize techniques for ensuring full participation by all board members.

How the Board carries out its work Examines structural vehicles through which the Board carries out its work, e.g., roles and responsibilities of board officers, committee structures etc., as well as strategies for strengthening committees and overall board effectiveness.

The Board’s Role in Organizational Planning Examines the board’s critical role in organizational planning that furthers the provider’s mission and fosters the effective and efficient utilization of its resources to meet the most compelling needs of its clients.

Program Oversight  Examines the Board’s role in determining, monitoring and strengthening the organization’s programs and services and ensuring that the organization is in compliance with its own policies and with pertinent legal and funder requirements.

Fiscal Responsibilities  Examines the board’s role in ensuring effective financial oversight, including how to interpret financial statements, establish financial controls and oversee overall financial health.

Resource Development  Explores the board’s responsibility for ensuring adequate resources for the organization and strategies for directly involving board members in resource development activities.