It follows that board members contribute through their ability to assist the organization by bringing intellectual, emotional, and energetic resources to bear on complex problems. If we identify the function of the board as problem-solving, its roles and responsibilities are clear. Board members are policy makers, evaluators, advocates, and resource gatherers. As policy makers, board members are asked to determine how the organization will conduct its activities. Staff are assigned to carry out what needs to be done.
Governance determines and reflects the values to be served and observed by the organization.
As evaluators, board members provide oversight. This means that board members are responsible for recognizing problems early on. The best way to fulfill this function is to spend some time designing assessment and monitoring procedures. The information obtained by evaluation is used to improve the workings of the organization. In this role, board members might evaluate the executive director's performance, board members' performance, and assess the degree to which the organization is fulfilling its mission and maintaining fiscal solvency.