How to Recruit and Strengthen Your Non Profit Board

Building a strong board is one of the most important steps in setting up and growing a nonprofit organisation.

A well-structured board provides governance, strategic direction, and support, helping the organisation to secure funding and grow sustainably. Whether starting from scratch or strengthening an existing board, here are some top tips to help build an engaged and effective team.

Recruiting to the Board: In the early stages, board members are often recruited from personal networks, friends, family, or professional connections. While this can be a practical approach, it is important to consider whether they will actively contribute to the organisation’s growth. If you plan to apply for funding, it is usually a requirement to have a minimum of three unrelated board members and having an odd number of board members can help to avoid deadlocked votes.

Key questions to ask when selecting board members:

• Will they challenge ideas and bring fresh perspectives?

• Will they engage with projects and strategy meetings?

• Are they willing to dedicate time beyond attending board meetings?

A board that only exists on paper will not provide the strategic support needed to grow. 

Identify the Skills Needed: As your organisation develops, it’s crucial to have a balanced mix of skills on the board. Common areas of expertise to consider include:

• Marketing & Networking to help the organisation’s profile.

• Voluntary Sector Experience to provide industry knowledge.

• Finance & Accounting is essential for managing grants and budgets.

• HR is important as you start to take on staff.

• Lived Experience to ensure decisions align with the community being served.

Every organisation will have different needs, so conducting a skills audit can help identify any gaps. For example, legal expertise, safeguarding knowledge, or fundraising experience may be priorities.

Support & Challenge: A strong board should provide both support and challenge to the leadership team, even if that leadership is just one person in the beginning. If board members only agree with every decision without discussion or challenge, you may lack strategic direction.

To ensure engagement, board members should:

• Have a specific skill they can contribute.

• Be available for occasional strategy meetings and development days.

• Offer guidance and support when needed, such as financial or HR advice.

Recruitment should focus on active participation, rather than simply filling seats and your needs should be made clear in any recruitment processes.

An Active and Supportive Board: An engaged board strengthens an organisation’s credibility with funders and stakeholders. Many funders look for boards that demonstrate:

• A range of relevant skills.

• Active participation in governance and strategy.

• A commitment to the organisation’s mission.

Board members should be encouraged to:

• Visit projects.

• Provide strategic input.

• Challenge leadership decisions when necessary.

Recruiting with Purpose: Recruiting a board is more than a formality to meet governance and funder requirements. it is about finding the right people to help the organisation grow, evolve, and succeed.

When recruiting, it is useful to ask:

• Will they actively contribute beyond attending meetings?

• Are they genuinely invested in the mission?

• Do they bring valuable skills and expertise?

Having the right board members who offer guidance, challenge, and support can make a significant difference in the long-term success of any nonprofit.

If you would like to find out more about how to develop a great board then get in touch!