One of the meaningful collaborations this past week was under the kind invitation of Capita Registrars Limited, to train on how to communicate well with their Board through their Board Papers. The training needs assessment had revealed that management wanted to understand how to author impactful Board Packs and how to communicate their plans around strategy, finance, operations and compliance well without over/under communicating.

On the material day, Silvana Wanjiru did a fantastic job laying the corporate governance foundation and how the Board Papers contribute to good governance and Sloane Wairimu was the perfect icing to the cake with demonstrating how good Board papers without accompanying communication skills would equal a luxury hotel with unremarkable food- you know, the hidden gems that should remain hidden? 🙃

So my part was to delve deeper in the types of Board Papers and depending on the type, the content would follow the course. Broadly, these are:
❇️ The Strategic Board Paper- These are written to give the Board high level information for them to dispense their strategy making and guidance role. These papers should include an executive summary, background context, detailed analysis of strategic options, discussion of risks and benefits, financial and resource implications, alignment with organizational strategy, and clear recommendations for board decisions
❇️ Financial Board Paper- provide detailed information related to the organization’s financial performance, position, and projections. They include budgeting, resource allocation, financial risks, and compliance with financial regulations.
❇️ Operational Board Papers- provide updates on ongoing projects, performance metrics, operational challenges, and progress reports.
These papers inform the board about how the organization is functioning operationally, ensuring effective oversight of management and operational execution
❇️ Compliance Board Papers- provide information and analysis related to the organization’s adherence to legal, regulatory, and internal governance requirements. They enable the board to oversee and ensure that the organization remains compliant thereby managing risks associated with non-compliance

The above is not to say that the Board papers are titled as such, but this is to guide management, on content of a paper, after consulting whether the Board requires a strategic, financial, compliance or operational view on a matter. Thereafter taking the paper to the right committee within the required timeline is just as important.

As mentioned earlier, a good board paper without articulation may not assist in meeting the desired outcome so communication frameworks such as PREP and POWER increase the chances of getting the guidance or approvals that management needs.

So next time you are communicating to your Board, design the paper according to the need and then make a winning presentation!