The Challenge

 Boards need to be able to take an objective view of their own performance and their ability to provide strategic leadership as well as effective stewardship. They need to measure themselves against good practice and decide whether payment would assist in delivering any identified improvements.

 Any decision to pay must be open and accountable to stakeholders. All need to be comfortable with the agreed levels and structure for payment. Ongoing accountability and openness must be provided by improvement plans, reviews and measurement of the added value of payment.

 This is not an easy process for boards to manage. However, the rewards can be great more efficient and effective governance for now and for the future.

 How the Board Development Agency  can help

1.  We can provide initial briefing papers for the board, setting out the general and particular issues   that need to be considered.

2.  Advise and assist any board sub group set up to consider the business case and the complex details of any payment scheme. Provide further reports and recommendations to the board.

3. Carry out a 'gap analysis' against current best practice in governance.

4. Provide a written business case suitable for submission to the Housing Corporation.

5. Advise on suitable payment levels, benchmarked against suitable sector comparators

6. Assist and advise on improvement plans related to the business case, including the ongoing measurement and demonstration of improvement.

7.  Carry out a first year review of any payment scheme instituted