The governance committee helps institutionalize effective governance practices for the present and future health of the ministry of Go To Nations. It works to ensure that the board has the right people with the right mix of skills, the most up-to-date and relevant policies, and the capacity to examine its own work and make changes when necessary. Unlike some other board tasks, the work of the governance committee is continuous and not time limited
It is important to note that the governance committee does not supersede the board in authority, and in no way should it replace the board or the responsibilities of all the board members. It is simply a committee whose job is to help the board do its work, and to do its work better. It usually stays behind the scenes, making sure everything goes smoothly. In other words, the governance committee makes it possible for the board to run efficiently.
Without a governance committee to do the important work of board recruitment and development, those responsibilities often remain neglected or fall to staff, creating an additional burden on a staff that is likely overworked already, trying to run essential programs effectively.
Without a governance committee, the president may have to handle the lion’s share of board matters alone, causing a drain on his time and energy rather than having a group of the board available as a resource. It is both unfair and inefficient to turn to the president of the ministry as the taskmaster for the board.
The governance committee is the appropriate body to address tricky board issues such as attendance problems, incomplete board tasks, behavioral divergences, or forgotten pledges. Certain board issues are better left to be handled by peers. In the same way, the committee can help the board when trouble arises, but its hope is that ongoing checkups and good habits will render emergencies obsolete.
Ultimately, a good governance committee can help ward off unproductive board members, unnecessary committees, and unbearable meetings, among other unpleasant board possibilities. It exists as a committee of the board, by the board, and for the board. In the long run, the governance committee may be the most important committee of the board because of its responsibility for the long-term success of the board and, in turn, of the organization.