Board/Committee recruitment needing a boost? We’re here to help By Hazel Finney, Lead – Volunteering, Community Impact Bucks
“We’re desperate for more Board/Committee members” is something that I hear from voluntary and community organisations and social enterprises in Buckinghamshire on an almost daily basis.
In the main, people tend to have taken the following different approaches to their recruitment before they get in touch: some have hoped that a miracle would happen, and that hoards of people will contact them (unsurprisingly, they haven’t!), some have just asked around their networks but not found anyone, and the rest have decided to get outside help by contacting Community Impact Bucks.
Taking one step at a time
It might sound boring but following a good old-fashioned process can pay dividends when you’re looking for more Board/Committee members. You need to get into the habit of succession planning early – don’t wait until someone is just about to step down. You need to start with a skills’ audit to identify any gaps, then draw up comprehensive role descriptions (not forgetting to include the benefits to be gained from joining your particular organisation), and then ensure that you have clear recruitment and induction processes with well-defined steps and responsibilities. Download the comprehensive guide from our partner Reach Volunteering.
Board/Committee members in their own words
One of the key ways in which you can increase your chances of successful recruitment is to have a clear understanding of what motivates different cohorts of people to become community leaders. We’ve been busy speaking to a wide range of Board and Committee members in Bucks to find out why they took the plunge, and what they love about their roles. You can find out what they had to say here.
Help from Community Impact Bucks
At Community Impact Bucks, we can help guide you through the various stages of the recruitment process and there are a range of fantastic resources that we are able to share, including the new recruitment guide from national charity Getting on Board which covers everything that you need to know for successful recruitment. We have also rounded up all the best national resources to help you strengthen your Board or Committee by ensuring that it embraces diversity in all its many forms. Our website also has a section focusing on developing and advertising roles, including information on free online advertising.
FREE advice sessions on Board/Committee recruitment
On 27 November, I’m offering a series of 45 minute 1-2-1 slots to help kickstart your Board/Committee recruitment if it’s feeling a little lacklustre. A session could include reviewing or drafting your role descriptions, or providing you with ideas for local advertising. For more information and to book click here. Places are limited, so don’t miss out!
You can also contact me on hazel@communityimpactbucks.org.uk for tailored advice.
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