SIGA Board Evaluation Questionnaire - Shercon Associates Inc.

Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA)
Board Evaluation Questionnaire

SIGA Board Management Policy B03-015 calls for regular evaluations to help ensure that the Board, Chair and Committees are fulfilling the requirements of their terms of reference and contributing to the leadership of the organization. Results are used to enhance Board governance practices and performance.

This questionnaire is designed to gather perceptions of the Board's performance on a range of items related to governance, Board operations and the "culture" of the SIGA Board. It also asks you to self-assess your own performance as a Board member. Replies will be confidential. You will have a chance to edit your responses after you "Submit" your survey.

The deadline for responses is Friday, November 23, 2007. The consultant will analyse the findings, conduct follow-up interviews and present the results at the Board meeting of December 19, 2007. If you are unsure, or feel you do not have enough information to answer a particular question, simply leave that item blank.

1. Governance

SIGA follows a policy governance model where the Board governs through policies that define the relationship between the Board and the President/CEO, and establish organizational aims (ends), governance approach, and management limitations. Rate the following aspects of the SIGA Board's governance performance:

	Excellent	Good	Fair	Poor
Establishing strategic directions for the organization
Monitoring CEO performance
Developing and maintaining effective governance policies
Ensuring appropriate organizational policies are in place
Ensuring effective risk management
Exercising effective control over SIGA's financial affairs
Placing the good of the corporation over any individual interests
Presenting a positive profile of the organization in the community
Ensuring effective Board and CEO succession planning

If you gave a negative response ("fair" or "poor") to any of the items related to governance, please elaborate below: (Specify the Item #)

2. Board Operations

This next series of questions addresses the structure and ongoing operations of the SIGA Board. Think now of your own involvement with the Board of Directors, and indicate your level of agreement or disagreement with each of the following statements:

	Agree Strongly	Agree Somewhat	Disagree Somewhat	Disagree Strongly
The Board is dealing with important issues
Board members represent a variety of philosophical perspectives
Decisions are made based on accurate and timely information
The skill mix on the Board is adequate to do the job
There is a clear distinction between Board and CEO roles
The Board asks constructive questions
The Board keeps abreast of relevant trends, events and emerging issues
New Board members receive adequate orientation
There are sufficient appropriate professional development opportunities for Board members
Board members have the necessary resources and supports to do their job
The Board functions objectively and independently, without undue influence from management
The Board has adequate information to monitor organizational performance

The number of Board meetings is:

Too few About the right amount Too many

The number of Board members is:

Too few About the right amount Too many

The number of Standing Committees (Governance, Ethics, Audit & Finance, HR & Compensation) is:

Too few About the right amount Too many

Give your impressions of each Standing Committee using the following scale:

4 - Agree Strongly 3 - Agree Somewhat 2 - Disagree Somewhat 1 - Disagree Strongly

	Audit & Finance	Ethics	Governance	HR and Compensation
The role and mandate of this committee is clear to me
Board members are kept informed of this committee's activities
This appears to be an effective committee
Recommendations from this committee are solid and well thought out
This committee makes a significant contribution to the work of the Board

If you gave a negative response ("fair", "poor", "too many", "too few", "disagree somewhat" or "disagree strongly") to any of the items related to Board operations, please elaborate below: (Specify the Item #)

3. Board Culture

Indicate your level of agreement or disagreement with each of the following statements related to the attitudes, values and group dynamics of the SIGA Board:

	Agree Strongly	Agree Somewhat	Disagree Somewhat	Disagree Strongly
The members of this Board work well together
Board members are committed and loyal to the organization
I believe my comments are respected by others
I feel comfortable in "speaking my mind" at Board meetings
Flexibility, adaptability and forward thinking is valued
Communication is open, honest and transparent
There is a good team spirit
Constructive dissent is encouraged
Any conflict among Board members is acknowledged and addressed
Once consensus on an issue has been reached the Board speaks with one voice

If you gave a negative response ("fair" or "poor") to any of the items related to Board culture, please elaborate below: (Specify the Item #)

4. Board Chair

Rate the following aspects of the Board Chair's performance over the past year:

	Excellent	Good	Fair	Poor
Running effective meetings
Working with management
Keeping Board members informed
Representing the organization with members and the community
Ensuring Board members are engaged in deliberations
Supporting the work of the committees
Creating a positive, team-oriented atmosphere
Resolving conflict where necessary

If you gave a negative response ("fair" or "poor") to any of the items related to the Board Chair's performance please elaborate below: (Specify the Item #)

Keeping your answers to the previous questions in mind, how would you rate the Board Chair's overall performance in providing leadership and support to the Board?

Consistently performs above normal standards
Occasionally performs above normal standards
Routinely meets standards
Occasionally does not meet standards
Consistently performs below normal standards

What were the strongest aspects of the Board Chair's performance over this past year?

What specific suggestions for improvement would you make to the Chair?

5. Self-Evaluation

Rate the following aspects of your own performance as a member of the SIGA Board over the past year:

	Excellent	Good	Fair	Poor
Attendance of meetings
Preparation for meetings
Participation at meetings
Understanding of my roles and obligations as a Director
Understanding of SIGA's mission, vision, values and goals
Knowledge of the SIGA organization
Understanding of relevant legislation and regulations
Understanding of my role relative to management
Awareness of relevant trends, events and emerging issues
Ability to provide financial oversight

Still thinking of your own involvement with the Board of Directors, indicate your level of agreement or disagreement with each of the following statements:

	Agree Strongly	Agree Somewhat	Disagree Somewhat	Disagree Strongly
I am committed and loyal to the organization
I approach all issues objectively and am not unduly influenced by management
I communicate clearly and openly
I ask relevant and constructive questions at Board and committee meetings
I listen to other Board members and respect their opinions
I publicly support all Board decisions
I do a good job representing SIGA to the members and community
Overall, I make a positive contribution to the SIGA Board

What is the greatest single strength that you bring to the Board?

What are your professional development priorities as a Board member next year?

6. General

Keeping your answers to all the previous questions in mind, how would you rate the overall effectiveness of the Board in contributing to the mandate of SIGA?

Excellent Good Fair Poor

What do you believe is the single most important strength of this Board?

Are there any obstacles interfering with Board performance?

Yes No

If Yes, please specify:

Feel free to make any other comments or suggestions to assist in future Board planning and development initiatives.

Completed by:

Name of Board Member:
(Necessary for tracking response and follow-up by the consultant)

Thank you for your cooperation.