Board Evaluations That Lift Perspective & Performance
A board evaluation isn’t about fixing problems. It’s about lifting your line of sight – to what’s working, what’s drifting, and what to sharpen next.
No obligation.
Just 30 minutes with a governance expert.
What a Board Evaluation Helps You See
A board evaluation is more than a formality. It’s a chance to pause, lift your perspective, and reflect on how your board is really operating — so you can focus on what matters most.
Boardworks evaluations provide independent, practical insight into board dynamics, processes, and decision-making. We highlight what’s working, where there’s turbulence, and how to rise toward stronger, more effective governance that serves both your organisation and its stakeholders.
What Sets Boardworks Apart
Reviews free from internal bias or politics, ensuring candid insights you can trust.
Over 650 boards evaluated, from Crown entities to private companies and national non-profits.
Local expertise combined with international best practice tailored to Aotearoa’s governance context.
Our Board Evaluation Process
Every evaluation follows a structured yet flexible approach that balances rigour with efficiency.
1. Initial Briefing
Meet with the Chair to confirm objectives and scope.
2. Online Survey
Gather perspectives from all directors with a tailored set of questions.
3. Individual Interviews
In-depth discussions with each director and the CEO to uncover candid insights.
4. Document Review
Analysis of board packs, charters, strategic plans, and other governance material.
5. Evaluation Report
Clear findings with prioritised recommendations and improvement pathways.
6. Board Debrief
Facilitated session to align the board on insights and agree next steps.
Where It Takes You: Outcomes of a Boardworks Evaluation
A Boardworks evaluation gives your board more than a scorecard — it gives you altitude.
You’ll gain clarity on how your board is performing, where the gaps are, and what actions will have the greatest impact. The result? Sharper focus, stronger alignment, and a clear path forward.
Clients often tell us the biggest benefit is perspective. When directors see the same picture, conversations become more constructive — and decisions more confident.
Every evaluation ends with a prioritised action plan. Not theory. Not a binder of recommendations. Just the practical next steps your board can act on immediately — and return to when it’s time to review your altitude again.
Ready to Lift Board Performance?
If your board is ready for clarity, alignment, and stronger performance, it starts with a conversation.
Independent, honest advice. No obligation.
Board Evaluation FAQs
What is the purpose of a board evaluation?
A board evaluation helps directors step back and examine how the board is working as a team. The process highlights strengths, identifies gaps, and provides practical recommendations so the board can perform more effectively.
How is a Boardworks evaluation different from other reviews?
Many evaluations rely on generic surveys or compliance checklists. Boardworks combines surveys, interviews, and document analysis with over 25 years of experience advising 650+ boards. Every evaluation is peer-reviewed to ensure insights are independent, honest, and directly relevant to your governance context.
Who is involved in the process?
Typically all board members take part, along with the Chair and Chief Executive. Depending on scope, we may also speak with key stakeholders. This ensures a balanced view of how governance is operating across roles and relationships.
How long does the process take?
Most evaluations take six to eight weeks from briefing to final debrief. The timeline can be shorter for focused reviews or longer for comprehensive, bespoke evaluations.
What does the board receive at the end?
You’ll receive a clear, actionable report that summarises findings and sets out prioritised recommendations. We then facilitate a debrief with your board to ensure alignment and momentum on the agreed next steps.
Is the evaluation confidential?
Yes. All interviews, surveys, and reports are treated with strict confidentiality. Our role is to create a safe space for candid feedback and constructive improvement.
Will a board evaluation uncover problems we don’t want exposed?
A board evaluation is not about embarrassing anyone or pointing fingers. It’s about creating a safe, constructive process that helps the board work better together. If sensitive issues do surface, we frame them as opportunities for improvement – with practical recommendations on how to address them. Many Chairs find that having an independent party raise these issues makes it easier to have conversations that otherwise get avoided.
How often should boards be evaluated?
We recommend a comprehensive evaluation every two to three years, supported by lighter check-ins in between. This helps boards measure progress, maintain accountability, and adapt to new challenges as they arise.
What types of boards does Boardworks work with?
We work with boards across the public, private, and for-purpose sectors. Our clients range from Crown entities and listed companies to national sporting bodies and charities. Each evaluation is tailored to the organisation’s size, sector, and goals.