Practical strategies for achieving inclusive boards

Achieving board inclusivity in international development organisations is essential because it enhances decision-making by incorporating diverse perspectives, builds trust by reflecting the communities served, and drives innovation through varied experiences. It also aligns with ethical standards, improves risk management, and attracts a wider talent pool.

This practical session highlighted the importance of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) for enhancing board legitimacy and accountability, ensuring fair representation and inclusive decision-making.

There was a managed discussion with participants, covering:

Why it is so important to address unconscious bias in your board composition.
Practical suggestions on how to make changes within your board and your organisation, including ways to implement EDI principles into board meetings and papers.

Speakers

Catherine Biscoe, Partner, Buzzacott, introduced the session and focused on the regulations underlying board operations, particularly within the Governance Code.
Lena Bheeroo, Anti-racism and Equity Manager, Bond, helped us to understand the need for this work and what organisations have been trailing to achieve inclusive board dynamics.
Louise Morris, Founder and Director, Summit Fundraising, shared challenges and experiences dealing with unconscious bias within their organisation and how they overcame these.

Introduction

Charity Governance Code & EDI

The Charity Governance Code outlines seven pillars of best practice for trustees and charities. While not legally mandated, it provides essential guidance for achieving high governance standards. As governance evolves, the code is regularly updated, with a strong focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

Addressing EDI enables boards to make better decisions, stay relevant, and deliver public benefit by countering power imbalances and promoting inclusive practices. Boards should establish clear EDI strategies and ensure all trustees have equal opportunities to contribute, thereby enhancing their charity’s impact.

To implement EDI, boards should audit governance practices, reflect on board diversity and improve recruitment by using inclusive, transparent methods. They must also foster an inclusive culture by supporting diverse voices, ensuring accessible meetings, and providing EDI training.

Key questions to consider:

How are EDI principles embedded in board and committee terms of reference?
Does the board conduct skills audits that include EDI principles?
Have trustees completed training on key EDI topics?
How inclusive are recruitment and onboarding processes?
Does the board regularly review meeting formats to ensure inclusivity?
Does the chair foster an empowering space for open discussions?
Do trustees need more EDI support or development?

EDI for INGO Boards
In the international NGO sector, it is crucial to understand the historical context and colonial roots that influence governance, particularly regarding power imbalances. Trustees and leaders must recognise how power is held and exercised, especially by boards based in the UKh, and reflect on disparities in decision-making, salaries, and programme design between the UK and the countries we/INGOs work in.

Boards should create environments for honest, inclusive conversations and rethink traditional governance models. Some organisations, such as those establishing “Africa boards” alongside UK boards, actively redistribute power to better serve their communities and ensure more inclusive governance.

Practical suggestions for Board recruitment

As a Board, discuss and decide: How can we share power, better represent the communities we serve, and increase board diversity?
Use blind recruitment to reduce unconscious bias by concealing applicants’ personal details.
Advertise board roles on diverse platforms, including women’s forums.

Practical suggestions for Board meetings

Use inclusive language and allocate time thoughtfully for meetings.
Accommodate neurodiverse members by sending agendas and documents in advance, and offering phone calls to ensure information is accessible.
Recognise that board roles are unpaid and allocate small budgets for staff travel costs.
Whether meetings are in-person or online, take regular breaks and gather feedback, especially from new board members.
Be open to adapting meeting structures, adjusting agendas, and rotating the chair to foster learning and build confidence.
Review past discussions on EDI, anti-racism, and unconscious bias to ensure action has been taken, as inaction may stem from unconscious bias.

Examples of INGO Board initiatives

Case study 1: Rooted in feminist principles, the INGO’s board reviewed its behaviour to align with its mission of championing women and girls. They examined biases and positionalities and worked with external consultants to assess board dynamics. This ongoing process promotes internal reflection and cultural alignment with external advocacy.

Case study 2: Recognising that their board did not reflect the communities they serve, the INGO focused on diversifying recruitment by removing unnecessary experience requirements and offering trustee training. They aimed to recruit individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, particularly youth, bringing new perspectives to the board.

Integrating EDI into charity governance is crucial for creating more effective, representative and impactful organisations. By embedding EDI principles into governance structures, boards can address power imbalances, enhance decision-making and take practical steps such as inclusive recruitment and providing ongoing EDI training. Challenging traditional approaches and remaining open to learning are key to achieving meaningful progress. Boards must commit to continuous reflection and adaptation, ensuring that their internal practices reflect their values and missions.

How Bond and Buzzacott supports INGO trustees

Join quarterly meetings in 2024-25 – details will be on the Bond events page.
Read the Buzzacott and Bond guide. Governance: A guide for international NGOs is an up-to-date, relevant resource and reference point for practical support and guidance.