Guidance for Non-Board Member Participation on Board Committees
In order to incorporate a broad range of perspectives and people into the governance of PEAK Grantmaking, our bylaws allow committees—with the exceptions of the Executive Committee and the Governance Committee—to consider adding non-board members. This has long been a practice on several committees.
The Governance Committee must formally approve all non-board committee members before they begin their service.
Considerations for adding non-board members
Adding non-board committee members may help to
- create an opportunity for PEAK members to share their talents and participate when they cannot commit to full-time board participation;
- diversify committees in terms of perspectives, skill sets, organization types, etc.;
- expand committee capacity; and
- provide an opportunity for high-priority future board members to better understand PEAK and its governance and for board alumni to stay involved in PEAK leadership and mentor current and future board members.
Process for adding non-board members
The Governance Committee will formally approve non-board members as part of its annual committee assignment process. The Governance Committee will work closely with the Nominating Committee and PEAK staff to identify and suggest non-board members who are appropriate for specific committees. Committees can also suggest members by contacting the Governance Committee and PEAK’s chief operating officer.
Non-board members serve only in an advisory capacity. In the case of an official committee vote, only board members would be eligible to vote.
Expectations and eligibility for non-board members
Non-board members must be eligible for PEAK membership and able to commit to
- serving approximately 24 hours over the course of one year;
- attending at least three out of four committee meetings; and
- providing ad hoc advice and collaboration outside of committee meetings.
Non-board member participation by committee
Committees that should include non-board members in most years
- Nominating Subcommittee
- Strategy and Organizational Effectiveness Committee
Committees that may include non-board members
- Audit Committee
- Finance Committee
Committees that may not include non-board members
- Executive Committee
- Governance Committee