- Office of the Inspector General
Video: How to be an Effective Public Board and Commission Member
Skip this video How to be an Effective Public Board and Commission Member.If you serve as a member on a state, county or local board, your work is important. The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) encourages you to use this updated guide to understand your obligations and to help you perform your duties as a public board member to the best of your abilities.
The OIG's guide outlines practices, such as upholding fiduciary principles, that will help you understand your obligations and perform your duties effectively. The guide also provides an overview of the laws that apply to you, including those relating to board meetings, official communications and individual conduct.
If your board has a role in overseeing the public manager leading a public organization – or if your board provides input on a public program, the use of public funds or the care of public property – you should read this guide. Similarly, if you are a member of a board that provides advice or recommendations to a public organization, this guide will help you fulfill your duties as a board member.
Public boards take many forms, such as:
- Public university boards of trustees
- Redevelopment authority boards of trustees
- Municipal light department boards of commissioners
- Housing authority boards
- Town finance committees
- Library boards of trustees
- Municipal select boards
- Economic development authorities
- School committees
- Any elected or appointed member of a state or municipal level governing body