Board Reviews

A board review is an annual event for listed companies and many other organisations. The typical three-year cycle includes an Externally Facilitated review once every three years, with an internal review in the intervening years. We assist boards with both.

Boardroom Dialogue carries out a facilitated external board effectiveness review through confidential interviews and direct observation. This captures non-attributable views on board and committee strengths, areas for improvement, and opportunities to enhance overall effectiveness.

We tailor our approach to each client, working closely with the Chair or Senior Independent Director from the outset to agree scope and focus. A typical review combines document analysis, confidential one-to-one interviews with all board members and key stakeholders, and direct observation of a board meeting. This gives us a rounded picture — what the papers say, what individuals think, and what we see for ourselves.

We report our findings clearly and without jargon, setting out strengths, areas for development and prioritised recommendations grounded in best practice. We then work with the Chair, SID and CEO to validate the findings and discuss what is realistic, before facilitating a board discussion to agree next steps. Recommendations are converted into a practical action plan, and we follow up with the Chair at six and twelve months to review progress.

We place particular emphasis on board dynamics and behaviours alongside the governance expectations set out in the relevant code. Our focus is forward-looking: helping Boards improve how they engage with each other and, in turn, how they perform.

We also undertake broader Governance reviews, and have assisted clients in reviewing Board and committee structure, delegated authority and terms of reference. We can provide training events for the whole Board, including simulation of complex situations to enhance resilience.

The best reviews change how a board thinks about itself. That is what we aim for.