SFHA Governing Body Member Induction guidance (Nov 2025)

As part of SFHA's Get Governance series, guidance on Governing Body Member Induction is available to all members.  

SFHA commissioned Linda Ewart to develop the document, as a practical resource that can be used to devise induction processes that suit the needs and priorities of individual RSLs.  It has been informed by the experience of many SFHA members, including those who have contributed to a working group that supported the drafting process and provided case studies to share their approach and experiences. Their contributions are very much appreciated.

The guidance is not intended to be an ‘off-the-shelf’ induction programme as each RSL is different and so is each new GBM.   It is essential that induction is geared towards the experience of the ‘new recruit(s)’, whilst also reflecting the organisation and its priorities.  The guidance offers suggestions about how induction can be delivered, what should be included and some advice about timing and format. 

There are also signposts and links to other SFHA governance resources that are relevant.  Examples of successful - and not so successful – approaches are also included, to provide ideas about how induction can be structured and delivered practically and effectively. 

The guidance is available in the downloads section to the left of this article and please contact Alan Stokes, Policy Lead if you have any queries or would like more information.