The Board's Companion: Reviews

"The Board Member's Companion" aims to address the specific & practical without neglecting the general. It serves both as an introductory read and a reference book. It has been well received:

"This handbook by Don Watson, clearly an experienced and thoughtful board member, is a solid A-Z for members of nonprofit boards... he has many great examples as well as a tone that is both supportive and challenging."

Board Cafe Magazine

"It demonstrates such a thorough understanding of both board and organizational responsibilities, functions and, perhaps most important, interrelationships. The chapters with a focus on mission and values, the excellent job descriptions, the legal aspects, are among the clearest and most insightful I have read."

Betty Webster, Order of Canada
former Executive Director, Orchestras Canada

"How I wish I had this book when I started out as a member of my first board 30 years ago... I believe it is the best on the subject I have read."

Dusty Miller, Order of Ontario
former Mayor of Thunder Bay

"... his thorough and informative Board's Companion. Intended as a learning aid and reference guide for non-profits of all sizes, this book is the perfect tool to introduce new board members to their role and responsibilities. It then looks at some of the specific ways in which boards can operate more efficiently and effectively. Working with the executive director, handling conflict and change, preparing a budget, doing performance reviews, and preparing written policies, are just a few of the topics covered in detail. Helpful appendices and specific examples are also included to help keep boards on the right track. Drawing on his 40 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, and 20 years of board experience, Watson writes in a simple and conversational style - from one board member to another. His insights and advice are sure to help any board work better."

Charity Village reviews

"This resource is more complete than similar publications because it goes into significant detail on a wide variety of Board issues. It includes some useful features such as extensive cross-referencing, boxes, lists, examples, and specific advice that make the publication very easy to use.

Key areas that Boards often neglect, such as policy development, executive director evaluation, governance review, and board recruitment are covered in significant detail."

The Canadian Association E-zine