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.

The deadline for responses is Friday, February 19, 2010. The consultant will analyse the findings and prepare a report that will be reviewed at the March Board meeting.

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
a) Establishing strategic directions for the organization
b) Monitoring CEO performance
c) Developing and maintaining effective governance policies
d) Ensuring appropriate organizational policies are in place
e) Ensuring effective risk management
f) Exercising effective control over SIGA's financial affairs
g) Placing the good of the corporation over any individual interests
h) Presenting a positive profile of the organization in the community
i) 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
a) The Board is dealing with important issues
b) Board members represent a variety of philosophical perspectives
c) Decisions are made based on accurate and timely information
d) The skill mix on the Board is adequate to do the job
e) There is a clear distinction between Board and CEO roles
f) The Board asks constructive questions
g) The Board keeps abreast of relevant trends, events and emerging issues
h) New Board members receive adequate orientation
i) There are sufficient appropriate professional development opportunities for Board members
j) Board members have the necessary resources and supports to do their job
k) The Board functions objectively and independently, without undue influence from management
l) 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
a) The members of this Board work well together
b) Board members are committed and loyal to the organization
c) I believe my comments are respected by others
d) I feel comfortable in "speaking my mind" at Board meetings
e) Flexibility, adaptability and forward thinking is valued
f) Communication is open, honest and transparent
g) There is a good team spirit
h) Constructive dissent is encouraged
i) Any conflict among Board members is acknowledged and addressed
j) 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
a) Running effective meetings
b) Working with management
c) Keeping Board members informed
d) Representing the organization with members and the community
e) Ensuring Board members are engaged in deliberations
f) Supporting the work of the committees
g) Creating a positive, team-oriented atmosphere
h) 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
a) Attendance of meetings
b) Preparation for meetings
c) Participation at meetings
d) Understanding of my roles and obligations as a Director
e) Understanding of SIGA's mission, vision, values and goals
f) Knowledge of the SIGA organization
g) Understanding of relevant legislation and regulations
h) Understanding of my role relative to management
i) Awareness of relevant trends, events and emerging issues
j) 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
a) I am committed and loyal to the organization
b) I approach all issues objectively and am not unduly influenced by management
c) I communicate clearly and openly
d) I ask relevant and constructive questions at Board and committee meetings
e) I listen to other Board members and respect their opinions
f) I publicly support all Board decisions
g) I do a good job representing SIGA to the members and community
h) 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:
(Necessary for tracking response and follow-up by the consultant)

Thank you for your cooperation.