I am SO excited for this week's Chair Post! I discovered a new report from the Governance Institute of Australia that focuses on the future of the board. Yes - this research based 2021 report provides key insights into the challenges boards will likely face in the next few years; which issues should be on your radar from now and what skills and attributes you should be looking for in new board members?

This report is the third in a thought leadership 'future' series. The report is a synthesis of extensive survey results with analysis and reflections on those results by a working group of directors and governance leaders.

There are so many great highlights to share and I encourage you to read the full report but here are a few key findings that the report elaborates on...

Faced with a challenging future, boards will need to balance competing interests

ESG (Environment, Society, Governance) issues will dominate future boardroom discussions

Strategy will play a central role

The pendulum will swing further from management to the board

It's time for boards to be bold on risk

Divergent views on overboarding and tenure

The report concludes with a visual roadmap to success for future board members.

The stops include:

Be in tune with the public

Achieve balance under pressure

Embrace ESG

Know how to add value

Be honest about time commitments

Take control of your development

Work more closely with management

Be bold with risk

While this report is not specific to non-profit boards, the insights and forecasting are invaluable. This report would make for a great board retreat conversation!

ISCA webinar: What Every Board Should Know About Bylaws