Strong governance is the backbone of any successful charity or Approved Housing Body (AHB). As expectations from regulators, funders, service users, and the public continue to rise, boards must be confident they are operating effectively, strategically, and in line with the Charities Governance Code and (for AHBs) the AHBRA Standards.
A Board Effectiveness Review is one of the most powerful tools available to strengthen governance, improve decision-making, and support a high-performing board. Yet, many organisations either postpone it or only undertake it when a problem arises.
In reality, a proactive review is not a sign of weakness — it is a hallmark of a well-run, forward-thinking organisation.
What Is a Board Effectiveness Review?
A Board Effectiveness Review is a structured exercise that assesses how well your board is performing across key areas, such as:
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Governance structures and compliance
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Board dynamics and culture
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Strategic leadership and oversight
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Risk management and assurance
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Board composition, skills and succession
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Information flows and decision-making
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Relationship between the board, CEO and senior team
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Meeting effectiveness and use of committees
It provides a balanced and independent assessment of what is working well — and what needs strengthening.
Why It Matters in the Irish Charity & AHB Context
1. Meeting Regulatory Expectations
The Charities Governance Code expects ongoing monitoring of governance and recommends periodic external reviews.
AHBs must demonstrate compliance with the AHBRA Standards, including clear governance, risk, and oversight arrangements.
A structured review provides tangible evidence of compliance for regulators, funders, local authorities, and stakeholders.
2. Strengthening Strategic Focus
Boards are increasingly required to provide strong strategic direction — not just operational oversight.
A review helps boards:
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Step back from day-to-day issues
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Refocus on long-term goals
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Evaluate whether current structures support future ambitions
This is particularly important for housing and frontline services where demands are rising.
3. Improving Board Culture and Team Dynamics
Healthy board culture underpins good governance.
A review can uncover:
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Communication barriers
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Groupthink
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Lack of constructive challenge
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Poor chair–CEO dynamics
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Inequitable power distribution
Addressing these fosters stronger collaboration, clearer accountability, and better decisions.
4. Building Governance Capability
The landscape for charities and AHBs is becoming more complex. Boards must be skilled, informed, and adaptable.
A review identifies:
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Current skills and gaps
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Development needs
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Succession priorities
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Opportunities for mentoring and induction
This supports a high-performing, future-ready board.
What Does a Good Board Effectiveness Review Include?
A best-practice review should cover:
1. Document & Compliance Review
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Governing documents
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Policies and procedures
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Terms of Reference
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Board/committee structure
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Governance calendars
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AHBRA/CGC compliance
2. Board Member Survey
Anonymous questionnaires that gather perspectives on roles, culture, clarity, risk, strategy, performance, and communication.
3. Interviews & Observation
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One-to-one interviews with board members and senior leadership
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Observation of a board meeting
These provide rich insights that documents can’t capture.
4. Skills & Competency Mapping
A structured assessment of board skills against organisational needs — now and for the future.
5. Recommendations & Development Plan
Clear, actionable steps to strengthen governance:
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Quick wins
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Medium-term improvements
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Long-term reforms
6. Optional Follow-Up Support
Coaching for the Chair, CEO or board; training sessions; redesign of key governance tools; implementation support.
How Impact Ireland Consulting Supports You
At Impact Ireland Consulting, we specialise in helping charities, AHBs, and community organisations build strong, compliant, and confident governance systems. We have delivered governance reviews and board development programmes for organisations such as:
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Amber Women’s Refuge
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Acquired Brain Injury Ireland
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Saoirse Domestic Violence Service
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Connemara West Education PLC
…and many more.
Our Board Effectiveness Reviews are:
✔ Independent
We provide a trusted external perspective.
✔ Tailored to Your Organisation
From small community groups to complex national charities and AHBs.
✔ Aligned with Irish regulatory frameworks
Including the Charities Governance Code and AHBRA Standards for AHBs.
✔ Practical and actionable
Not just theory — real, implementable improvements.
Coaching for the Chair, CEO or board; training sessions; redesign of key governance tools; implementation support.
Coaching for the Chair, CEO or board; training sessions; redesign of key governance tools; implementation support.
Ready to Strengthen Your Board for 2026?
A Board Effectiveness Review is one of the best investments your organisation can make in its future governance, leadership, and impact.
If you’d like to explore what a review could look like for your organisation, we would be delighted to chat.