Key Responsibilities for Board Members

1. The organization’s vision and mission

The board sets the tone and purpose by establishing and upholding its vision and mission. These two items lay the foundation for the organization and all of its activities, policies, and plans. Board members should review the vision and mission on a regular basis and make sure they are clearly communicated to management, staff, and other key stakeholders.

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This journey with us serves as a beacon of hope, fostering an environment where overcoming limitations becomes a fulfilling and uplifting experience, rather than a chore.

2. Strategic planning

Board members are responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Safe Shores. A strong plan determines your organization’s goals and maps out how it will achieve them. This includes ensuring that management and staff are well positioned to carry out tactics and activities, adapting the plan to environmental factors, and keeping stakeholders informed on the progress.

3. Governance

Good governance is critical for any not-for-profit organization. It ensures that the organizational structure and business processes are clear and have oversight, and that decisions are in the best interest of Safe Shores and its stakeholders.

4. Financial management

Proper management of the finances includes establishing and maintaining accounting procedures, budgeting, financial record keeping and reporting, resource allocation, and asset protection. The board also oversees annual audit requirements.

5. Tax and regulatory compliance

As a board member, you are responsible for ensuring Safe Shores meets all tax and financial reporting requirements.

6. Risk management

Failure to manage risk can result in accreditation loss, financial penalties, and reputation loss. There are also circumstances where board members could be legally responsible if funds are missing due to fraud. Board members should make sure the organization has a plan for risk prevention, detection, and recovery that includes regular reviews and updates to technology, processes, and policies.

7. Internal controls and policies

: Strong policies and internal controls are an integral part of risk management, but they also provide a framework for board members to achieve their organizational and financial management responsibilities.

8. Recruitment

Board members need to make sure that bylaws and procedures are in place to recruit and elect new members. This includes having succession plans and supporting boarding. The Board must maintain a minimum of 3 members at all times: maximum of 10.

9. Community outreach and advocacy

Building strong relationships and goodwill with the community, including donors, staff, students, volunteers, and clients, is a vital part of serving on Safe Shore’s Board.