Welcoming a new board member is more than a formality - it’s a strategic opportunity to set them up for success and strengthen your board’s performance.
A strong induction:
- Accelerates contribution by helping new members hit the ground running.
- Builds confidence through clarity on mission, structure, and expectations.
- Strengthens governance by reinforcing roles, responsibilities, and compliance.
- Fosters engagement by making new members feel included and valued.
- Improves retention - a well-supported board member is more likely to stay, reducing the need for time-consuming re-recruitment.
TAS’s Top 10 Tips for a Smooth Induction
1. Clarify Their Role
Be clear about expectations and how they can contribute from day one. There are a range of websites offering tools to help create a job description that sets clear expectations.
2. Prepare Key Documents Early
Have foundational materials - like the constitution, strategy, financials, and recent minutes ready before they start.
3. Create a Clear Induction Pack
Include essential documents, contact lists, insurance details, and an org chart to help them understand the landscape quickly.
4. Highlight What Matters Most
Point out the most relevant sections in dense documents to save time and focus attention.
5. Grant Portal Access Promptly
Early access to the board portal allows them to explore resources and review past discussions.
6. Host a Welcome Meeting
Walk through key documents, share recent updates, and discuss strategic goals and current challenges.
7. Facilitate Introductions
Arrange short meetings or Zoom calls to help them connect with fellow board members and build relationships.
8. Share Key Dates
Add upcoming meetings and events to their calendar so they can plan and understand their commitment.
9. Assess Training Needs
Ask what support they need or use a skills matrix to identify gaps. Offer learning opportunities like the TAS eLearning Academy.
10. Support Their First Meeting
Provide background materials and a warm welcome to help them feel confident and included.
A thoughtful onboarding process doesn’t just benefit the new member - it lifts the whole board. Want help creating an induction checklist or onboarding pack? The TAS eLearning Academy offers bite-sized modules to build foundational knowledge and empower boards for success.