Boards: A Practical Perspective

Boards provides a practical, realistic, thought-provoking and useful guide to life as a board member. It is split into three areas, Purpose, People and Process reflecting the three key areas of concern for any board. This is combined with the fourth section which sets out a series of real-life dilemmas for readers to practice on, making this book an ideal companion for anyone who is an aspirant, novice or seasoned board member. Drawing on Patricks extensive range of experience working with and on boards in many sectors, in the UK and internationally, it is equally applicable to business, charities and social enterprises, professional services firms, public bodies and universities. The book is also written in a highly accessible and engaging style that brings life and fun to what is a very serious topic.

About the Author :
Patrick has extensive experience of working with boards around the world in the business, public body, education and social sectors. He Chairs board consultancy Boardelta and the charities EY Foundation and ESSA - Education Sub Saharan Africa. He is a Trustee of the Chartered Management Institute, a Visiting Professor at Cranfield and the Founder of Warwick in Africa. The author of three other books on the subject, he was a member of the Higgs Review and is a regular contributor to board skills programmes, including the Financial Times Board Director Programme. His executive career was with Air Products and FTSE100 3i Group plc where he was a member of its operating committee. He has a degree in Mathematics and Statistics from Warwick and an MBA from Cranfield.

Review :
Very readable, easy to dip into for specific advice and comments on particular issues. A reference book that should stand the test of time. -- Bruce Carnegie-Brown, Chair of Lloyds of London, President CMI Patrick has covered all of the bases in Boards from the how and why to very practical areas that arent usually examined in such depth in the People and Dilemmas sections. Its a fascinating read and an invaluable reference for anyone involved in working with Boards. Its the best book on boards Ive ever read. -- Brenda Trenowden CBE, Global co-Chair 30% Club, PwC Partner I would commend this book to all entrepreneurs, directors and anyone who wants to one day help lead an organisation. If you dont understand how governance and boards work you will never be effective. This immensely practical guide, explains how it all works, is littered with great guidance and will enable you to be a wiser and better director. A must read, one to put on the top of your reading list. -- John Jeffcock, CEO Winmark "Patrick wears his learning lightly, drawing on his experience across different sectors and continents to provide some great practical insights into the job of a director. -- Chris Hodge, Director, Governance Perspectives Possibly the most practical guide around. So easy to read because it is written by a Board Director and Chairman who has operated in nearly every type of Board; from Private Equity to Social Enterprise, and Business Advisory to University. -- Paul Drechsler, Chair of Bibby Line Group, London First, Teach First, Chancellor Teesside University, Former President CBI, Chair of Non-Executive Director Awards (Sunday Times/Peel Hunt) A rich, fresh resource for directors in any sector on boards of all kinds and those working with them or otherwise advising them, including CEOs and other senior leaders. Patrick Dunne rightly focuses on how to do it well and resolve challenges rather than on what to do. This is the guide to EQ in Governance which is vital, especially for all Chairs, established, new in post and aspiring, which is generously shared from the wise experience of the author. -- Dame Mary Marsh, Chair of Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health