Beyond Compliance: The Case of MS Ireland and the Practice of Board Performance Assessment

In this episode of THEBOARDCHECKUP, Mr. Maurice O’Connor, Chair of the board of MS Ireland and Ms Jacinta Kelly, Vice Chair discuss the practice of self-assessing board performance. The episode begins with important background information on the mission of MS Ireland organization, characteristics of the organization and board, and changes in the regulatory environment affecting charities in the Republic of Ireland, including a new charities regulator, governance code and accountability to comply with governance standards.

Experience with the process of self-assessing board performance and making change in the board is shared, including,

· Connecting the board to the mission in board meetings

· Clarifying the board’s role in fundraising

· Aligning board work to strategic priorities

· Exploring board member effectiveness and the equity of contributions

An important research question is raised during the interview about the impact of rules and regulations on board effectiveness, specifically, does it make boards more effective. Following the interview, I address the research question, lessons I learned from the case, and the elements that make the case of MS Ireland another great board love story.