Having a code of ethics can help inform board members of expectations and give you the grounding to accountability. This is a great sample to get you started in shaping your own code of ethics for your organization. Have members sign this at the start of their term and review it on an annual or quarterly basis when you gather.

Sample Board Member Code of Ethics

As a member of the ___[org]__ board, I will…

·      Respect the opinion of other board members.

·      Respect and support the majority decisions of the board.

·      Recognize that all authority is vested in the board when it meets in legal session and not with individual board members.

·      Keep well-informed of developments that are relevant to issues that may come before the board.

·      Participate actively in board meetings and actions.

·      Call to the attention of the board any issues that I believe will have an adverse effect on the __[org]__ or those we serve.

·      Attempt to interpret the needs of constituents to the __[org]__ and interpret the action of the __[org]__ to its constituents.

·      Refer constituent complaints to the proper level on the chain of command.

·      Recognize that the board member’s job is to ensure that the __[org]__ is well-managed, not to manage the __[org]__.

·      Represent all constituents of the __[org]__ and not a particular group.

·      Consider myself a “trustee” of the __[org]__ and do my best to ensure that the __[org]__ is well maintained, financially secure, growing, and always operating in the best interests of constituents.

·      Work to learn more about the board member’s job and how to do it better.

·      Declare any conflict of interests between my personal life and my position on the __[org]__ board, and avoid voting on issues that appear to be a conflict of interest.

As a member of the __[org]__ board, I will not…

·      Be critical, in or outside of the board meeting, of other board members or their opinions.

·      Use the __[org]__ for my personal advantage or the personal advantage of my friends or relatives.

·      Discuss the confidential proceedings of the board outside the board meeting.

·      Promise prior to a meeting how I will vote on any issue in the meeting.

·      Interfere with duties of the executive or undermine the executive’s authority.