Stronger Together: Annual Board Reflection

Boards of foundations and associations have an important responsibility: ensuring that the organization functions well and achieves its objectives. To do this effectively, it is valuable to regularly reflect on their own performance and collaboration. Evaluation moments provide a useful tool for this purpose.

By reflecting on their own functioning as a board, strengths can be reinforced and areas for improvement can be identified in time. This yields both personal and organizational benefits. For board members themselves, evaluation means more insight into their role, better collaboration, and a clearer distribution of responsibilities. For the organization, it ensures transparency, better decision-making, and greater engagement from volunteers and staff.

We recommend conducting an evaluation at least once a year. Annual reflection helps the board to grow structurally, manage risks, and keep the organization resilient and future-proof. It also provides input for strategic decisions and contributes to a positive work culture.

To support this process, VCA has developed a self-evaluation that boards can use. This evaluation can also be completed by others within the organization, such as volunteers or coordinators, to gain a broader perspective. The evaluation is based on the evaluation from the book “Reflecteren voor commissarissen en toezichthouders” by Yvonne Burger and Carla van der Weerdt-Norder.

You can find the evaluation here to use for your board.

It can be helpful to receive (external) support. VCA advisors can be engaged to guide the process. We are happy to think along and can offer tips and guidance. A moment of reflection can make a big difference, both for the board and for the entire volunteer organization.