There is no definitive yes or no answer to this question. Historically, being a board member for an organisation was considered a volunteer role, without remuneration. In recent years, with changing pressures in professional environments and the steep decline in volunteers across all levels, some organisations are now choosing to pay their board members.

Paying your board members can

• show recognition and value to their work and responsibilities
• attract more board members
• increase retention.

There are many practical, ethical, and financial things to consider if your board members should be paid, and it’s worth noting that not all organisations are in the position to do so.

The Institute of Community Directors Australia has created a board payment wizard that can help you gather relevant information to assess your organisations situation in relation to possible board member remuneration.

It’s suggested that you have all your board members utilise the wizard either individually or all together during a meeting. Once the wizard has been completed, you can view the collated data which should provide a comprehensive view on your organisations position and trajectory in relation to board member payment.