# B - Governance Process

The Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Policy Framework (Governance and Accountability Framework) requires that the Board establish a formal and ongoing process of evaluation of its effectiveness. The performance measures for the assessment would match the fundamental elements needed to put gov

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Referenced from: [Board of Governors](/pages/about/board-of-governors/)

## Document text

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## B - Governance Process

## Background

The  Colleges  of  Applied  Arts  and  Technology  Policy  Framework  (Governance  and Accountability Framework) requires that the Board establish a formal and ongoing process of  evaluation  of  its  effectiveness.  The  performance  measures  for  the  assessment  would match  the  fundamental  elements  needed  to  put  governance  principles  into  action.  The Board of Governors is a dynamic body of individuals in that the terms are no longer than six years (except for the President). This means that the Board's knowledge of its Governance and  Accountability  responsibilities  will  also  be  dynamic.  The  Board  must  ensure  that individual governors are aware or that there are actions in place so that they may become aware of their responsibilities and in turn improve the decision-making process.

The  Board  of  Governors  believes  that  one  of  its  major  responsibilities  is  to  govern  with excellence and integrity.  Further, the Board recognizes that in order to do so, it needs an ongoing plan for  Board  effectiveness  evaluation to facilitate  and  guide  continuous  Board learning and development.

## Policy

The Board of Governors of Northern College will conduct an annual Board self evaluation of  the  Board's  performance  and  an  Individual  Board  Member  self  evaluation.  These evaluations will include an assessment of:

- Effectiveness of the Board
- Conduct of the Board
- Relationship with the President
- Individual Performance
- Feedback to the Chair
- Achievement of Ends

## Full Board Self Evaluation

The primary strategy to assess Board effectiveness will be through the use of an annual Board evaluation tool where each Board member completes the evaluation. The Board will use the information gained from this evaluation to:

- Compare to earlier evaluations to measure progress and improvements.
- Plan ways to further enhance the Board's effectiveness.
- Develop an annual plan for Board learning and development as part of the Board's goals.

Policy #:

B-7

Approved:  2008-01-08

Revised:

2022-01-11

Motion:

04-01-22

## BOARD AND MEMBER SELF EVALUATION

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B-7

Approved:  2008-01-08

2022-01-11

04-01-22

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In particular, future governance work, agenda items, and action plans resulting from these evaluations will be incorporated in the annual Board goals. The Board will regularly review its progress toward achieving its own learning and governance effectiveness process.

## Individual Board Member Self Evaluation

Each  Board  member  will  complete  a  questionnaire  designed  to  estimate  their  own performance  and  contribution  as  a  Board  member.    These  results  will  be  anonymously rolled  together  to  provide  the  Board  with  a  profile  of  the  overall  Board  perspectives  and learning on individual Board member effectiveness.

## Procedure

1. All Governors will be invited to complete the Full Board and Individual Self Evaluations forms.
2. There  is  no  requirement  for  identification  of  individuals  and  confidentiality  will  be respected.
3. The Executive Assistant to the Board shall be responsible for the implementation of the evaluation process.
4. Implementation  of  the  Board  and  Individual  self  evaluations  shall  occur  prior  to  the Board's summer recess.
5. The results of the self evaluations will be presented to the Board at the Board's Annual Planning Retreat by the Executive Committee.
6. The evaluation results will be used to:
- a) Summarize facts and opinions.
- b) Encourage Board discussion on improvements.
- c) Develop improvement strategies.
7. The  Board  will  use  the  results  to  prioritize  actions  necessary  to  enhance  Board performance.
8. All Board members will be invited to review the self-evaluation questionnaire annually, for input.

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<small>Source: [https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/2025/07/B7_Board-and-Member-Self-Evaluation.pdf](https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/2025/07/B7_Board-and-Member-Self-Evaluation.pdf)</small>