There is no one best type of governance structure. While there are many different governance models, the one that is going to work best for you depends on a range of factors: what type of organization you are, your size, your history, your culture, your resources, your capacity... Small organizations with simple mandates and modest budgets can probably operate effectively as 'administrative boards' meaning that board members perform all functions: governance, management and operations. At the other end of the spectrum, a large organization with a more complex mandate and significant budgets is probably better positioned to operate with a policy board, relying upon staff to perform management and operations. The governance structure that will work for you also depends on your history and organizational culture. If things have been done a certain way for a long time, it may be hard to move off that model. Lastly, personalities and leadership qualities also make a difference.

Rachel Corbett
Centre for Sport & Law