Effective Directors

Charlotte Valeur and Claire Fargeot have over 60 years combined experience of working in and around boards in all types of organisations, all over the world. They deliver training, conduct board reviews and advise and support boards on governance and sustainability issues through their company, Global Governance Group.

"This book is packed with practical insight and tips for directors and those seeking directorships: all those who aspire to deliver to professionally high standards. Experiential learning is gained over time, the latter being a prized commodity; it is hard to be a wise board member who can give valued and thoughtful counsel without having acquired years of experience. How I wish I had been able to access a book such as this written by professionals for those who aspire to be the best they can be in a highly complex business arena."Jean Church MBE Dip.IoD FIoD, Director My Business Lynq Ltd., Chair of Council (SICM) Institute of Directors "Never before has directorship proved so challenging for boards as they navigate companies though the perils of Covid-19 while adapting business models to address climate change impacts – all within the context of an ever digitalised world. Effective Directors: The Right Questions to Ask addresses many of these challenges, offering personal insights from some of the world’s most seasoned governance professionals. A MUST read for anyone serving on – or supporting – corporate boards in the 21st century."Kerrie Waring, Chief Executive Officer, International Corporate Governance Network"Directors’ duties are increasingly complex. So, what better than a vast range of questions helpfully anticipated by experienced practitioners, directors, academics, and consultants? This comprehensive collection makes this a must for every director!"Dr Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE"Five Stars. This is the book I have been waiting for. The breadth board directors have to cover makes it difficult for them to add value and mitigate risk in all areas. Effective Directors: The Right Questions to Ask (QTA) is easy to consume, a practical toolbox and a really useful reference point. The book is a consolidation of the wisdom from many and will enable directors to leap frog their board abilities forward."John Jeffcock, CEO, Winmark

• Part I: The Board 1. Board Composition 2. Board Appointment 3. Director Self Assessment 4. Assessing the Chair’s Performance 5. Due Diligence for New Appointments and New Directors 6. Succession Planning for the Board 7. Board Evaluation Part II: Officers of the Company 8. Chief Executive Succession Planning 9. Chief Executive Review 10. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion 11. Health and Wellbeing 12. Human Resources 13. Remuneration for Executives and Management 14. Succession Planning for Executives Part III: Leadership 15. Leadership in the Boardroom 16. Tone from the Top 17. Culture 18. Ethics and Why they Matter Part IV: Strategy 19. Strategy 20. Purpose 21. Valueism 22. Intellectual Property 23. Data Ethics Part V: Sustainability 24. Environmental, Social and Governance 25. Climate Change 26. Sustainability 27. Social Impact Part VI: Board Meetings 28. Roles and Responsibilities of the Board 29. Board Meetings and the Agenda 30. Board Support 31. Third Party Providers 32. Board Committees: Purpose, Tasks and Value 33. Matters Reserved for the Board 34. Soft Governance Part VII: Accounts 35. Accounts 36. External Auditors 37. Solvency and Going Concern 38. Insolvency 39. Viability 40. Finance Part VIII: Compliance and Risk Management 41. Compliance 42. Cyber security 43. IT Governance 44. Financial Performance Management 45. Risk Oversight, Management and Controls Part IX: Communications 46. Reputation 47. Corporate Brand 48. Social Media 49. Shareholder Relations and Communication 50. Stakeholder Engagement and Management Part X: External Pressure and Disruption 51. Crisis Management 52. Digitalisation 53. Disruption 54. Artificial Intelligence