Executive directors are busy, and let’s be real — so are their boards. But there’s a lot at stake with for-purpose governance, and a seemingly endless lot to do. Hummingboard helps by providing experienced and confidential governance services and executive support, working in ongoing partnership with the ED/CEO and board members.

Examples of services include identifying annual governance priorities, planning standing meeting calendars and agendas, preparing board packages, managing board committees, preparing materials for committee meetings, providing research and recommendations for board decisions, reviewing your bylaws and Articles, writing formal memos and resolutions, preparing for your AGM, planning for board succession, leading a board orientation, providing strategic advice, supporting meetings and taking minutes, and ensuring your mandatory filings and record-keeping are being completed.

Start by scheduling a complimentary introductory meeting, where we’ll assess your current governance needs and goals. Hummingboard will then recommend a right-sized ongoing support plan that will help drive your organization’s annual governance cycle, while helping to keep everyone informed, engaged, and focused on your mission and strategy.

Being an ED is a complex, rewarding, and - let’s just say it! - at times an overwhelming and lonely job. I provide supportive and practical coaching for new or aspiring EDs/CEOs. We cover planning for finance and audit, fundraising, team care and leadership, employment standards, managing high-impact programs, strategic planning and monitoring, governance and compliance, risk management, facilities, insurance, community relationships, board engagement and education, future-proofing, digital infrastructure, data and privacy management, monitoring and evaluation, building your own network, collaborations and contributing to the field, enforcing ethical standards, and always moving forward on your responsibility to act in support of justice, equity, reconciliation and a liveable climate.

Sliding scale available. I offer a couple of pro bono spaces each month for individuals not funded by an organization, please reach out if you need help: holly@hummingboard.ca

Just need to get something off your plate? Connect with us to discuss your needs and goals for a short project.

ED/CEO succession: Readiness planning and emergency succession plan development.

Board succession: Support the Governance Committee or Nominating Committee; Conduct an online board self-assessment; Prepare a governance gaps and strengths analysis; Conduct board exit interviews; Manage new candidate recruitment and onboarding paperwork; Develop and deliver new board member orientation.

Records, policies, & processes: Assess state of governance records; Build digital governance database of policies and archives; Build annual board calendar with standing agenda items; Assess existing organizational policies for strengths and gaps, and make recommendations (Note: Hummingboard assesses policies using the Imagine Canada Standards Program’s Gap Analysis tool).

Research and consultation to support strategic priorities, committee work, by-law recommendations, and membership review. Happy to make referrals to other consultants, too, so you can benefit from their specific areas of experience and expertise.