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Forming a Board

Building upon your community engagement processes, the formation of your Board should seek to achieve two outcomes:

  • a Board with all the required skills and knowledge to run your CLT;
  • the creation of a representative and inclusive governing structure which encourages the involvement of key stakeholders.

Drawing up a list of the ideal skills needed is the starting point for identifying and approaching local people with particular skills and experience to stand for election to the Board. Local knowledge is of course one of the most essential requirements for the majority of Board members as opposed to a 'desirable' knowledge. Co-options can also be used to add missing skills. Tapping into the existing practical, financial and political acumen in your community will help bring technical expertise to your CLT and may even reduce the professional costs you incur (although care should be taken to understand your fiduciary and other duties and role to avoid conflicts of interest).

Conducting a capacity needs analysis based on the skills needed to develop your scheme will help identify any missing ‘talent’ from your Board and provide a clear picture of the expertise you have at your disposal and the professional support you may need to hire. Conducting a skills audit similar to the DIY Committees Guide can help this process.