PUBLICATIONS

Board Advisory

Our Board Advisory and Assessment Services are fully aligned with the recommendations on Corporate Governance in the King IV Report and particular jurisdictional guidelines. At the same time the Woodburn Mann Board Assessment model adopts a holistic approach to each element of a Board’s activity, ensuring that the appropriate emphasis is placed where required. Governance issues, while being accorded adequate recognition, are not permitted to overwhelm Board of Director activities.

Woodburn Mann has developed a Board Appraisal model which identifies the principle factors which impact on the Board’s stewardship of the business and delivery of its overriding responsibility to create shareholder value over the long term. Our board advisory team has worked with leaders across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond for over 70 years. 

The Board Assessment philosophy focuses on Board of Directors’ Performance and Dynamics, the appraisal of all Board Directors and, most importantly, a focus on Board Composition so as to ensure sound, action-oriented, strategic decision-making. Throughout the process, which is consultative and pragmatic, absolute discretion and total confidentiality are observed.

Recommendations

Board Assessment Methodology Employed:

Three distinct methodologies are utilised for the overall appraisal of a Board of Directors. Within each of these methodologies, specific sub-methodologies are employed. The three main instruments used are:

1. (a) Board Composition Model and Gap Analysis, which is developed from the organisation’s defined strategy and committed strategic direction. It identifies deficiencies and gaps in the Board’s composition and determines remedial actions for the orchestration of an effectively functioning Board.
2. (b) Board Performance and Individual Formal Appraisal of Board Members using the following sub-methodologies:
   • “Tool Box” Review Exercise which determines those specific attributes which each Director brings to the Board
   • Performance Appraisal Questionnaires which determine the performance of the Chairman, Chief Executive and all other Directors at Board meetings
   • Personal Review Meetings with each Director to gain their input on the key areas of the Board’s performance in terms of process, structure, capability, dynamics and strategy, as well as subjectively assessing Directors and soliciting confidential views from each Director on the Company, the Board and each Member’s effectiveness
3. (c) King IV Corporate Governance Review which determines compliance with the tenets of the report’s recommendations. Where required, the appropriate Board and Committee Charters are reviewed and compliance therewith determined.

Based on the various instruments utilised, conclusions are drawn and recommendations made on the optimum board size, composition and desired profile of the Board of Directors. Each Director’s performance is appraised and, where necessary, corrective or developmental interventions are suggested. Compliance with the various facets of the King IV report is measured and remedial actions recommended.