In today’s complex environment, boards face pressure to make informed, impactful decisions. But without clear guidance, many boards struggle with issues like unclear roles, ineffective communication, and inconsistent accountability.
At Boardworks, our team brings more than just expertise – we bring experience from the boardroom itself. Having served on boards large and small, we understand the practical challenges boards face. This hands-on perspective, combined with honest insights and proven strategies, allows us to deliver tailored solutions that align with your board’s unique needs.
Boards are all about people – we continue to present people-led consultancy. Simply put, bots, AI and automated reports may be quick, but they do not grasp nuance. We use this human centric approach to a range of advisory services, governance training and mentoring.
Explore our evaluation options below to see how we can help your board move from good intentions to governance excellence.
Who we work best with
For organisations committed to governance excellence
Ideal for public, private, and for-purpose organisations that are dedicated to setting high standards in governance and accountability.
For boards seeking practical, actionable insights
Perfect for boards looking for honest evaluations and clear guidance that lead to real, measurable improvements.
For leaders ready to foster strong board dynamics
Tailored for board chairs, directors, and executives who value alignment, collaboration, and a unified approach to decision-making.
For teams navigating governance challenges
Best suited for organisations that operate in evolving environments, where effective governance is essential to sustained success.
Our governance advisory services
At Boardworks, our team brings more than just expertise – we bring experience from the boardroom itself. Having served on boards large and small, we understand the practical challenges boards face. This hands-on perspective, combined with honest insights and proven strategies, allows us to deliver tailored solutions that align with your board’s unique needs.
We help boards understand their role and the value they should be adding:
Boardworks brings expertise in:
- Strategy development and defining outcomes for the organisation:
- Developing accountability and performance frameworks
- Stakeholder mapping and communications plans
- Defining ownership structures and configuring subsidiaries
- Setting policy frameworks and board charters
- Developing information/reporting architecture, and decision processes
- Optimising meetings and agenda
- Structuring skills, attributes and competency matrices to strengthen director recruitment
- Training boards and senior leadership teams on what good governance requires
Mentoring and creating enduring, trusted relationships:
We recognise the challenge to maintain a governance mindset while working in a team of disparate individuals, each with differing roles and opinions. Boardworks’ independent perspective can support your board’s development through:
- Mentoring chairs, directors and chief executives
- Working with boards to enhance their understanding of their role in organisational culture
- Supporting boards to create positive relationships through understanding board dynamics, individual behaviours and styles
- Building engagement and strong relationships between the chair and chief executive
- Identifying and understanding the underlying dysfunctions in the boardroom
Our core advisory solutions for smarter governance
Pulse
Pulse is a practical, efficient option for boards needing a snapshot of their current performance.
Pulse offers a streamlined, high-impact review that highlights essential governance insights. Pulse suits boards seeking quick, actionable recommendations to improve their boardroom.
Perfect for: Boards seeking a high-level review with actionable insights without a long-term commitment.
Pulse includes:
- 30 minute interviews with your chair and chief executive,
- An online survey of 24 set questions completed by all directors,
- Review of core governance documents and two board packs,
- An insightful comprehensive, concise, and tailored report with clear action steps and advice that reflects on survey results, interview responses and the document review with recommendations for improving governance effectiveness and discussion points,
- A one hour debrief with your board.
Pulse is valued from $9,500 +GST
Pathway
Pathway provides ongoing guidance to navigate the complexities of governance with confidence.
Pathway is designed for boards committed to continuous improvement. Building on a Pulse review, over 12 months, we work closely with you to implement insights, refine strategies, and foster a culture of accountability and growth. You determine when and how our advisors work with your board and executive on your governance journey.
Perfect for: Boards wanting advisors on call who can guide their governance journey.
Pathway includes:
- An initial discussion briefing with your chair,
- A 30 question online survey completed by all directors. 24 set questions and 6 customised to your context,
- 30 minute interviews with each director and the chief executive,
- A review of relevant documents including board packs, strategic plan deed/constitution, work plan, charter and delegation, accountability documents and chief executive performance material,
- An insightful comprehensive, concise, and tailored report with clear action steps and advice that reflects on survey results, interview responses and the document review with recommendations for improving governance effectiveness and discussion points,
- A session with your board to debrief the evaluation and agree on development priorities,
- Up to 10 hours Boardworks’ consultancy over the year – applied as you need.
Price based on your briefing
Exploration
Exploration is a comprehensive assessment for boards committed to high standards and improvement.
Our Exploration consultancy dives deep into your governance, delivering a thorough, customised review that includes interviews, surveys, and document analysis – these allows to fully understand the nuance of your organisation. This is a contextualised review, that gets to the heart of how to transform your governance and establish a more effective, impactful board.
Our bespoke Exploration work is customised to your context and requirements.
Perfect for: Sophisticated boards wanting high performance governance that builds on earlier reviews.
Exploration includes:
- A discussion briefing with your chair,
- An agreed question set for an online survey with all directors,
- One hour interviews with each director and the chief executive,
- A thorough review of relevant documents including board packs, strategic plan deed/constitution, work plan, charter and delegation, accountability documents and chief executive performance material,
- An insightful comprehensive, concise, and tailored report with clear action steps and advice that reflects on survey results, interview responses and the document review with recommendations for improvement on governance effectiveness and discussion points,
- A session with the board to debrief the evaluation,
- A follow-up session at an agreed period following the evaluation,
- The option to include observing board meetings.
Price based on your briefing
Why choose Boardworks?
We know that governance isn’t one-size-fits-all, and we’re here to provide support that’s as unique as your board.
Our services are built on decades of experience, real-world insights, and an honest, people-centred approach to governance. With Boardworks, you’re choosing a partner who’s as committed to your success as you are.
Expertise rooted in
real-world experience
With 25+ years of advising over 650 boards, we bring a depth of insight that only comes from hands-on governance experience. Boardworks combines practical, New Zealand-specific knowledge with global best practices, making our approach relevant, impactful, and perfectly tailored to today’s boardrooms.
Your trusted partner in
governance development
Our advisors are more than consultants; they’re mentors who serve on and have reported to boards. We approach each board as a unique entity, drawing from insights gained through relationships with 2,500+ directors to deliver solutions that are authentic, and outcomes driven.
Bring the power of honest,
peer-reviewed insight
We’re committed to clarity and accountability in every evaluation. Each recommendation we provide is peer-reviewed, ensuring a level of rigour that translates to higher standards and better outcomes for your board. It is this combination of honesty, courage, and curiosity that sets us apart.
Let’s chat about your governance goals
Every board faces unique challenges and opportunities.
If you’re curious about improving your board’s effectiveness or exploring new strategies, let’s start with a no-obligation conversation. Share your goals, ask questions, and learn more about how Boardworks can support you – no strings attached.