Appraisal of non department public body (NDPB) board members and chairs: guidance

Annex B: Role and Responsibilities of the Board Chair

• Leads representation and links with Ministers and Scottish Parliament;
• Leads the Board, ensures that the Board has the ability to carry out functions effectively and chairs Board meetings;
• Leads the Board's approach to strategic planning;
• Leads the Board's approach to the establishment of committees and ensures the Board considers substantive reports from any committees established;
• Ensures that the work of the Board and any committees is subject to regular self- assessment and that the Board is operating strategically and effectively;
• Leads the Board's approach to succession planning to ensure the Board is diverse and effective;
• Ensures that the Board, in accordance with recognised good practice in corporate governance, is diverse both in terms of relevant skills, experience and knowledge appropriate to directing the public body's business, and in terms of protected characteristics under the Equality Act;
• Ensures the Scottish Ministers are advised of the body's needs when Board vacancies arise;
• Ensures the Board members are fully briefed on terms of appointment, duties, rights and responsibilities;
• Together with the other Board members, receives appropriate induction training, including on financial management and reporting requirements and, as appropriate, on any differences that may exist between private and public sector practice.
• Ensures there is a Code of Conduct for Board members in place, approved by the Scottish Ministers;
• Assesses the performance of individual Board members on a continuous basis and undertakes a formal appraisal at least annually; and
• In consultation with the Board as a whole, as appropriate, is responsible for undertaking an annual appraisal of the performance of the Chief Executive.