Board Excellence is a leading provider of external board evaluations and reviews for State, Semi-State and Public Sector boards in Ireland, the UK and over 35 countries internationally. Within Ireland, we have a strong track record in delivering external board evaluations with a key focus on compliance with;
- Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (2016)
- Annex on Gender Balance, Diversity and Inclusion (2020)
- Relevant Legislation
Board evaluation is increasingly acknowledged as a vital process for improving board performance and dynamics whatever the size, status or type of organisation. Our philosophy is that a highly effective board of directors makes a significant contribution to the success of the organisation beyond its statutory requirements and is a powerful source of added value for the organisation, its customers, shareholders, directors, employees and many other stakeholders.
The comprehensive nature and objectivity of our evaluation programme will, if thoroughly embraced by the board and executive team, establish a strong foundation to assess the current strengths and weaknesses of the board and drive a measurable plan of sustained improvement.
Our external board evaluation programme consists of the following phases;
- Completion by the board and executive team members of a confidential board effectiveness questionnaire
- Review of the last 12 months of board and committee materials, governance materials, Committee Terms of Reference and key materials in the area of culture, ESG, cyber-security, risk management, strategy and shareholder/stakeholder engagement etc.
- Confidential one-to-one interviews with board directors and senior executives
- Optional attendance as an observer at a board and selected committee meetings
- Development of a draft external board evaluation report for initial review by the Board Chair
- Presentation of the draft report key findings and recommendations to the board
As part of our standard external board evaluation/review programme and representative of our strong commitment to support our board clients drive sustained improvement in their board effectiveness and governance, we provide at no additional cost to our board clients, 12 months of follow-on support to the Board Chair, Secretary and CEO on;
- Implementation of the board evaluation recommendations
- New board effectiveness, governance and performance issues arising during that period
Some of Our Clients
What Our Clients Say
“Board Excellence were selected to perform an external evaluation of the effectiveness of the board of DAA plc. Ros O’Shea led the process in a thoroughly professional and engaging manner which delivered a comprehensive assessment of the board’s performance including the board structure, committees, governance and effectiveness. This resulted in an excellent final report with well-informed insights and recommendations that have helped to further strengthen our board’s performance. I would highly recommend Ros and Board Excellence”
“Bord Na Mona selected Board Excellence to carry out a three year external Board Evaluation, this was following a tender process to select the most appropriate party to do the work. The project was managed and led by Martina Maher. The Board were extremely pleased with the process and the professional approach adopted from beginning to end. That started with Board Excellence understanding the Company, key issues, reviewing various material and speaking with selected people to ensure both the questionnaire and one to one meetings were relevant. Key for us was Board Excellence understanding the brief, were succinct in meetings and presented their findings in a way that was challenging, but easily understood. The Board are satisfied that Board Excellence brought fresh thinking and specifics in terms of practical improvements that could be made. We have no hesitation in recommendation Board Excellence and Martina to others.”
“IAASA engaged Board Excellence to undertake a comprehensive and detailed evaluation of the board. Ros O’Shea’s presentation and facilitation was exceptionally well researched following a broad consultation process. Accurate, challenging, and clearly focussed on IAASA’s particular governance and strategic needs rather than a generic check list approach, I have no doubt both the board and the Authority generally will be the better for it”
“The external board evaluation Board Excellence conducted for our organisation shone a light on some critical opportunities for improvement as a board. Their approach is collaborative, thorough, insightful, engaging and professional. The fact Board Excellence stay engaged to support the implementation of the recommendations is a real value add for boards. I would definitely appoint Board Excellence for any future board evaluations.”
“We selected Board Excellence to assess the performance of the board of Tusla – the Child and Family Agency. We found their methodology thorough, professional and probing and their delivery efficient and on time. Jonathan Westrup, the lead assessor, quickly grasped the sensitivity and complexity of our sector and their Report was both insightful and balanced. We are working through their recommendations which board members believe will further strengthen governance and enhance concentration on medium and longer-term strategic direction”
“After a careful review process, we selected Board Excellence to assess and advise on our governance and other practices and were very glad we did. The experience was valuable at every stage and conveyed to us a strong sense that our interests, goals and challenges in the international education sector were thoroughly understood. Rather than boilerplate advice we received sound, pragmatic and well-informed feedback that we will draw on in the years to come. Given how well Board Excellence served us, I wholeheartedly recommend them to other organizations”
“In November 2023, I worked with Ros O Shea and Board Excellence on the external review of the Bus Eireann board. Ros was extremely professional, thoughtful and very thorough in her approach. We gained a strong insight into our board practices and Ros brought some nice suggestions that will build on our current strengths but also help the performance of the board going forward. This was a comprehensive approach, extremely practical and appreciated by all the Board”
“Board Excellence, through Jonathan Westrup, completed
a thoroughly professional Board evaluation of the Board of
Management of Oberstown Children Detention Campus.
In addition to identifying good practice and areas of
improvement for the Board, the evaluation also provided
some entirely fresh perspectives on our approach, linking
recommendations to the organisation’s strategic direction
in a most helpful manner. The evaluation exceeded
expectations in every respect and I could not recommend
Jonathan highly enough
“Following a tender process, Board Excellence was engaged to complete an effectiveness review of our Board, sub-Board and committees which was led by Ros O’Shea. Ros carried out an in-depth review of the governance structure, information flowing to the Board and the Board’s dynamic and relationship with the executive team. Ros was very diligent in her review with a communicative and flexible approach. Following the review, Ros provided great feedback and helpful recommendations that were welcomed by the Board.”
“Crawford Art Gallery selected Board Excellence to perform an external review of the performance of the Board. Kieran Moynihan completed a very comprehensive review of our board and committee structures, our performance and practices. He took the time to gain an understanding of the dynamics of our organisation. His style was collaborative and engaging, but yet challenging. The Report was insightful, with some excellent recommendations, which will guide us as we move forward to the next stage of our exciting journey. I would highly recommend Kieran and Board Excellence to any Board that wishes to enhance its effectiveness”
“The Irish Takeover Panel engaged Board Excellence to perform an external board evaluation in conjunction with a review of its governance arrangements generally. Led by Ros O’Shea, Board Excellence gained quickly gained a comprehensive understanding of the statutory purpose, function and composition of the Panel and its governance responsibilities. The approach adopted for the review was then tailored to our unique circumstances. Of particular note, all Panel members found the questionnaire and interview process to have been highly effective. The evaluation provided an insightful, thorough and fair assessment of the Panel and after completion of the review they have assisted us implementing a number of extremely helpful recommendations and best practices. We had a very professional and enjoyable experience and would have no reservations in recommending Board Excellence to others”
“Board Excellence carried out an external review of the FSPO Council’s 2021 effectiveness, in early 2022. The Council found it to be a very useful exercise. Kieran’s final report was extremely comprehensive and contained several helpful recommendations, many of which the Council has implemented.”
Board Excellence is a leading provider of external board evaluations and reviews for State, Semi-State and Public Sector boards in the UK, Ireland and over 35 countries internationally. We have a strong track record in delivering external board evaluations with a key focus on compliance with;
- Relevant Governance Codes
- Relevant Sector-specific Code of Practices and Guidelines
- Relevant Legislation
Board evaluation is increasingly acknowledged as a vital process for improving board performance and dynamics whatever the size, status or type of organisation. Our philosophy is that a highly effective board of directors makes a significant contribution to the success of the organisation beyond its statutory requirements and is a powerful source of added value for the organisation, its customers, shareholders, directors, employees and many other stakeholders.
The comprehensive nature and objectivity of our evaluation programme will, if thoroughly embraced by the board and executive team, establish a strong foundation to assess the current strengths and weaknesses of the board and drive a measurable plan of sustained improvement.
- Our external board evaluation programme consists of the following phases;
- Completion by the board and executive team members of a confidential board effectiveness questionnair
- Review of the last 12 months of board and committee materials, governance materials, Committee Terms of Reference and key materials in the area of culture, ESG, cyber-security, risk management, strategy and shareholder/stakeholder engagement etc.
- Confidential one-to-one interviews with board directors and senior executives
- Optional attendance as an observer at a board and selected committee meetings
- Development of a draft external board evaluation report for initial review by the Board Chair
- Presentation of the draft report key findings and recommendations to the board
As part of our standard external board evaluation/review programme and representative of our strong commitment to support our board clients drive sustained improvement in their board effectiveness and governance, we provide at no additional cost to our board clients, 12 months of follow-on support to the Board Chair, Secretary and CEO on;
- Implementation of the board evaluation recommendations
- New board effectiveness, governance and performance issues arising during that period
Some of Our Clients
What Our Clients Say
“Paul George did a great job for the NAO Board. He conducted our board effectiveness review with tact and rigour, bringing considerable experience and insight to the process and enabling us to become an even more effective Board as a result of the process.”
“Border to Coast Pensions Partnership selected Board Excellence to conduct our Bi Annual external independent review of the effectiveness of our Board. As a regulated Asset Manager we felt that Board Excellence had the right experience and skill set to work with us. The approach, including the process and timetable was well managed and included the main board and board committees. The review was thorough and robust and the outputs helpful in terms of how we as a Board continue to develop and improve from a position of effectiveness. We worked with Paul George and Martina Maher who presented us with a useful set of findings incorporating Board support, future accountabilities and, Board dynamics, all of which are appropriate and proportionate to our business . The feedback session with the Board was excellent leading to some good debate and clarification of the actions we will now take forward in our plans. We would work with Board Excellence again and would recommend them to other Boards”
“Board Excellence supported me on our recent Annual Board Chair and Trustee evaluations. I want to put on record my gratitude and appreciation of Kieran’s contribution to our appraisals. It resulted in a more comprehensive and focused set of goals for each Board Member. His input also provided an independent assessment of Lewisham Homes Appraisal of the Board based on his knowledge and experience of working with a wide variety of Boards outside of our sector. Having reviewed the testimonials on Board Excellence’s website I was confident that any analysis that Kieran made would be honest and uncompromising. Therefore the comments he made about Lewisham Homes’ Board were highly valued by me and provided some assurance that Lewisham Homes’ Board is one which is positive, competent and made up of independent thinkers who are focused on the best outcomes for its stakeholders.”
“British Canoeing is an organisation that is serious about good governance and striving to ensure that we operate as effectively as possible. In our search for best practice, we selected and worked with Board Excellence to help us on our journey. They were outstanding in their work for us. Their expertise was exceptional, but it was the manner in which they worked with us that I appreciated enormously. They were frank, well informed, had access to benchmark data and were knowledgeable about and sensitive to the context in which NGBs and member organisations work. We did not want a simple test of compliance or measurement against others. We wanted advice and guidance on how to get better. They presented sound advice, well thought through options and an offer to work with us on an implementation plan. They have served us exceedingly well.”
Board Excellence is a leading provider of external board evaluations and reviews for State, Semi-State and Public Sector boards in the UK, Ireland and over 35 countries internationally. We have a strong track record in delivering external board evaluations with a key focus on compliance with;
- Relevant Governance Codes
- Relevant Sector-specific Code of Practices and Guidelines
- Relevant Legislation
Board evaluation is increasingly acknowledged as a vital process for improving board performance and dynamics whatever the size, status or type of organisation. Our philosophy is that a highly effective board of directors makes a significant contribution to the success of the organisation beyond its statutory requirements and is a powerful source of added value for the organisation, its customers, shareholders, directors, employees and many other stakeholders.
The comprehensive nature and objectivity of our evaluation programme will, if thoroughly embraced by the board and executive team, establish a strong foundation to assess the current strengths and weaknesses of the board and drive a measurable plan of sustained improvement.
- Our external board evaluation programme consists of the following phases;
- Completion by the board and executive team members of a confidential board effectiveness questionnair
- Review of the last 12 months of board and committee materials, governance materials, Committee Terms of Reference and key materials in the area of culture, ESG, cyber-security, risk management, strategy and shareholder/stakeholder engagement etc.
- Confidential one-to-one interviews with board directors and senior executives
- Optional attendance as an observer at a board and selected committee meetings
- Development of a draft external board evaluation report for initial review by the Board Chair
- Presentation of the draft report key findings and recommendations to the board
As part of our standard external board evaluation/review programme and representative of our strong commitment to support our board clients drive sustained improvement in their board effectiveness and governance, we provide at no additional cost to our board clients, 12 months of follow-on support to the Board Chair, Secretary and CEO on;
- Implementation of the board evaluation recommendations
- New board effectiveness, governance and performance issues arising during that period
Some of Our Clients
What Our Clients Say
“Paul George did a great job for the NAO Board. He conducted our board effectiveness review with tact and rigour, bringing considerable experience and insight to the process and enabling us to become an even more effective Board as a result of the process.”
“Border to Coast Pensions Partnership selected Board Excellence to conduct our Bi Annual external independent review of the effectiveness of our Board. As a regulated Asset Manager we felt that Board Excellence had the right experience and skill set to work with us. The approach, including the process and timetable was well managed and included the main board and board committees. The review was thorough and robust and the outputs helpful in terms of how we as a Board continue to develop and improve from a position of effectiveness. We worked with Paul George and Martina Maher who presented us with a useful set of findings incorporating Board support, future accountabilities and, Board dynamics, all of which are appropriate and proportionate to our business . The feedback session with the Board was excellent leading to some good debate and clarification of the actions we will now take forward in our plans. We would work with Board Excellence again and would recommend them to other Boards”
“Board Excellence supported me on our recent Annual Board Chair and Trustee evaluations. I want to put on record my gratitude and appreciation of Kieran’s contribution to our appraisals. It resulted in a more comprehensive and focused set of goals for each Board Member. His input also provided an independent assessment of Lewisham Homes Appraisal of the Board based on his knowledge and experience of working with a wide variety of Boards outside of our sector. Having reviewed the testimonials on Board Excellence’s website I was confident that any analysis that Kieran made would be honest and uncompromising. Therefore the comments he made about Lewisham Homes’ Board were highly valued by me and provided some assurance that Lewisham Homes’ Board is one which is positive, competent and made up of independent thinkers who are focused on the best outcomes for its stakeholders.”
“British Canoeing is an organisation that is serious about good governance and striving to ensure that we operate as effectively as possible. In our search for best practice, we selected and worked with Board Excellence to help us on our journey. They were outstanding in their work for us. Their expertise was exceptional, but it was the manner in which they worked with us that I appreciated enormously. They were frank, well informed, had access to benchmark data and were knowledgeable about and sensitive to the context in which NGBs and member organisations work. We did not want a simple test of compliance or measurement against others. We wanted advice and guidance on how to get better. They presented sound advice, well thought through options and an offer to work with us on an implementation plan. They have served us exceedingly well.”
