Policy Manual Presentation Meeting 14 May 2011

SUMMARY OF POLICY MANUAL PRESENTATION TO THE BOARD ON 14 MAY 2011


The topic is “Do We Need A Policy Manual?”

Why? - To:
Set standards
Establish boundaries
Promote sustainability
Focus on mission and culture
Answer the question – “Are we doing what we should be doing?”
Govern (as opposed to “manage”)
Provide leadership
Clarify accountability
Record values and perspectives
Emphasize proactive over reactive agenda
Orient to the future rather than the past activities

What is a Policy Manual?
A Policy Manual is a declaration of the values and perspectives of the board.
It is a written record of the decisions, and pronouncements of the board.
The Policy Manual establishes standards and details criteria for performance evaluation.

How do we write a Policy Manual?
It is a 2 step process: debate, then decide
There are 4 major sections of the Policy Manual:
1 - “Ends” – the mission and goals of Reach.
2 - “Executive Limits” – instructions on what the Executive Director must avoid.
3 - “”Board / Executive Relationship” - how authority and accountability are transferred.
4 – “Board Process” – how the board conducts itself and relates to the external world.

Following on this presentation, the following committee topics were assigned::
Ends - ? (I did not write this done but it will be in minutes)
Executive Limits – Executive
Board / ED relationship – ? (I did not write this done but it will be in minutes)
Board Process – Governance

Following are “starter statements” for each section:
Ends - “People with intellectual and developmental disabilities will achieve their potential and well being in a safe and happy community.”
Limits – “The ED shall not cause or allow a practice or circumstance that is unlawful, imprudent, or in violation of commonly accepted business and professional practices and ethics”.
Board/ executive relationship – “The board’s connection to the organization and its activities is only through the Executive Director.”
Board process – “The purpose of the board is to see to it that Reach achieves the appropriate results for appropriate persons and at an appropriate cost while avoiding actions and situations prohibited by the board.