Institutional Board Effectiveness System (IBES™)
A Structured Diagnostic for High-Performing Boards
Most institutions have boards.
Few have boards that fully enable performance, accountability, and strategic direction.
IBES™ is designed to close that gap.
The Problem - Why IBES exists
When Governance Exists—but Does Not Function
Across institutions, a consistent pattern emerges:
Boards meet—but do not shape outcomes
Strategy is discussed—but not fully aligned
Accountability is expected—but not enforced
Authority is defined—but not always exercised
The result is not governance failure—but governance underperformance.
What IBES™ is
A Structured Approach to Board Effectiveness
IBES™ (Institutional Board Effectiveness System) is a proprietary McRollin framework designed to assess how boards function in practice—not just how they are structured.
It evaluates governance as a system of decision-making, alignment, and influence, rather than compliance alone.
The IBES™ Framework
Five Dimensions of Board Effectiveness
Authority
Clarity and exercise of decision-making power
Alignment
Coherence between Board and executive leadership
Accountability
Enforcement of performance and oversight
Capability
Relevance and contribution of Board composition
Influence
Ability to strengthen institutional positioning externally
The Differentiator
Power Gap Analysis™
IBES™ goes beyond traditional governance reviews by identifying the gap between:
Where authority is formally assigned
Where influence is actually exercised
This reveals hidden dynamics that often determine whether governance structures function effectively—or remain symbolic.
How the engagement works
A Focused, Time-Bound Process
1. Diagnostic Phase
Board and executive interviews
Document review
2. Assessment & Scoring
IBES™ structured evaluation
Identification of strengths and gaps
3. Reporting
Board Effectiveness Scorecard
Power Gap Analysis™
Strategic recommendations
4. Board-Level Presentation
Confidential discussion of findings
Alignment on next steps
Who this is for
Designed for Institutions Operating at Scale
IBES™ is most relevant for:
Public Benefit Organizations (NGOs)
Foundations and development institutions
Corporates with established governance structures
Public sector and quasi-government institutions
What you receive
Clear, Actionable Governance Insight
Board Effectiveness Score (across 5 dimensions)
Identification of structural and operational gaps
Prioritized recommendations (immediate, medium, long-term)
A clear view of governance-related risks
Strengthened Board alignment and clarity
Outcome
From Structure to Performance
IBES™ enables institutions to:
Move from formal governance to functional governance
Strengthen decision-making clarity
Improve accountability and oversight
Align leadership at Board and executive levels
Enhance credibility with donors, investors, and stakeholders
Positioning Statement
IBES™ is not a compliance exercise.
It is a strategic governance intervention designed to strengthen how institutions operate, decide, and scale.
Selectivity
A Deliberately Selective Engagement
IBES™ is delivered to a limited number of institutions at any given time to ensure depth, rigor, and meaningful outcomes.
Participation is based on alignment, readiness, and institutional relevance.
If your institution is seeking to strengthen its governance effectiveness and long-term performance, we would welcome a conversation.