Building Your Board
Guidance and links to define director responsibilities, board structure, and fundamental board responsibilities
Documenting Governance
Get started with creating or updating essential board documents
Governance Surveys
Directorship Magazine
Sample Governance Documentation
Governing documents are essential for providing structure, guidance, and accountability to boards. Leverage these sample documents to create or update your board’s governance documentation.
Getting started: The two articles below provide an overview and road map of the critical documents needed to build your board or onboard a new director.
Onboarding New Directors
Guidance and examples to structure your director onboarding program
Access All Documents
Links to sample governance documents developed by NACD that can be adapted by private and public companies and not-for-profit organizations.
Policy Samples
Corporate Bylaws
Establish the internal rules governing your organization.
Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
Outline the ethical standards for directors and employees.
Corporate Governance Guidelines
Set principles and practices for board composition and operations.
Records Retention Policy
Define record retention and disposal guidelines.
Vision, Mission, and Values Statements
Clearly articulate your company’s purpose and direction.
Whistleblower Policy
Outline the process to report and investigate potential wrongdoing.
Charter Samples
Audit Committee Charter
Determine the audit committee's authority and structure.
Compensation Committee Charter
Specify the compensation committee's duties.
Nominating and Governance Committee Charter
Outline the nominating and governance committee’s role.
Risk Committee Charter
Define the risk committee's purpose and scope.
Technology Committee Charter
Establish a clear scope for a dedicated technology-focused committee.
Meeting Minutes & Calendar Samples
Board Calendar
Schedule standing agenda items for the board.
Board Meeting Minutes
Record board discussions, decisions, and action items for future reference.
Audit Committee Calendar
Plan the audit committee’s annual activities.
Compensation Committee Calendar
Organize the annual agenda for the compensation committee.
Nominating and Governance Committee Calendar
Map out the annual calendar for the nominating and governance committee.
Risk Committee Calendar
Outline the annual activities of the risk committee.
Performance Evaluation Samples
Board Performance Evaluation
Identify improvement areas for board governance and member contributions.
Individual Director Evaluation
Gather feedback on directors’ contributions to the board.
Audit Committee Performance Evaluation
Assess the audit committee’s effectiveness.
Compensation Committee Performance Evaluation
Conduct an evaluation of the compensation committee.
Nominating and Governance Committee Performance Evaluation
Evaluate the nominating and governance committee’s performance.
Risk Committee Performance Evaluation
Examine the risk committee's effectiveness.
Tools for Success
Board Meeting Agenda Sample
Set the foundation for productive board discussions and effective governance.
Board Mentorship Program Guidelines
Enhance the mentor-mentee relationship.
Board Skills Matrix
Identify gaps in the board’s composition.
Conflict of Interest Questionnaire
Uncover directors’ potential conflicts of interest.
Setting Expectations About Director Behavior
Communicate desired behaviors and expectations for directors.
Position Descriptions for Board Leadership
These position descriptions outline the key responsibilities and expectations for the board chair and lead independent director roles.
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October 11-14, 2026
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