Board committees are meant to be enablers of good governance. The best ones channel board members’ expertise, keep focus on strategy, and lighten the workload for leadership. But too often, committees slip into the opposite role: creating busywork, duplicating staff responsibilities, or distracting the board from its real purpose.

That’s why intentional design matters. The most effective boards run lean, with fewer standing committees and a sharper sense of purpose. In fact, data from BoardSource’s Leading with Intent report shows that in 1994, boards averaged 6.6 committees. Today, the average is closer to 4.1. The trend is clear: less really can be more when it comes to board structure.

So how can you tell if your committees are truly serving your board—or the other way around? That’s where our free self-evaluation comes in. In this practical guide, you’ll find:

• A checklist to assess your committees against key criteria like purpose, structure, engagement, and strategic value.

• Seven actionable steps to strengthen effectiveness, from auditing and consolidating committees to improving communication flows.

• A framework to ensure every committee aligns with your organization’s mission and keeps the board focused on governance and impact.

Whether your board is bogged down with too many committees, unsure of member fit, or simply ready for a tune-up, this tool will help you step back, evaluate what’s working, and make confident decisions moving forward.

Don’t let outdated committee structures drain your board’s time and energy. Download the free evaluation today and take the first step toward building a stronger, more strategic board.

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