Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kind of organisations does Sustainable Boards work with?

We work with a wide range of clients — listed companies, financial institutions, regulated subsidiaries, regulators, family owned enterprises, private companies — as well as startups and scale-ups building governance for growth. What they share is a commitment to clarity, integrity, and long-term success and an openness to continued improvement.

2. What makes Sustainable Boards different from other governance consultancies?

We take a practical, people-focused approach. No lengthy reports or abstract frameworks — just clear insight, honest feedback and solutions that work in the real world. Every engagement is tailored to your context and designed to create lasting improvement, not a moment-in-time fix.

3. How often should a board or committee undertake a review?

It really depends on the kind of organisation you are. For listed or regulated organisations, best practice suggests a formal external review every three years, with lighter internal reflections in between. What matters most is not the cycle itself but how the board uses the insight — embedding change, improving discussion quality, and tracking progress over time. More progressive teams don’t wait until a review is mandated, they make sure they stay ahead on performance with a continuing improvement mindset.

4. What happens during a board effectiveness review?

We start with listening — a thorough scoping process followed by interviews, observation and document review. We then analyse how the board and committees operate, make decisions and interact. You’ll receive clear feedback, practical recommendations, and a framework to guide improvement. We operate a no surprises ethos whereby we will make sure to take you with us during the review and formulate findings that have shared backing.

5. How can a governance review help our organisation?

A governance review clarifies roles, decision flows, and oversight structures. It helps ensure your governance framework supports good decisions rather than slowing them down — improving efficiency, accountability and confidence between board and management.

6. What’s the value of reviewing the executive committee or leadership team?

Executive teams operate under pressure. A review helps identify where information, roles or behaviours might be blocking performance. The process strengthens alignment, trust and decision-making so leadership can deliver strategy more effectively.

7. Do you work confidentially?

Always. Discretion and trust are central to our work. We handle all information in strict confidence and respect the sensitivities of board and leadership environments.

8. How does Sustainable Boards support startups and scale-ups?

We help founders build fit-for-purpose governance early — setting up decision-making structures, defining responsibilities, and embedding transparency with investors and stakeholders. Solid governance can be key in securing financing for your business and can also help to protect investments as newer businesses grow and succeed. Our aim is simple: good governance that grows with your business.

9. What’s your approach to risk and control frameworks?

We help organisations design frameworks that are practical and proportionate. That means clear accountability, meaningful oversight and controls that actually support sound decisions — not endless paperwork. Risk management should enable progress, not block it.

10. How long does a typical review or project take?

Most board or committee reviews take 8–12 weeks from start to finish, depending on scope and availability. Governance or framework design projects vary — we’ll agree a realistic timeline that fits your calendar and ensures quality outcomes.

11. Where are you based, and do you work internationally?

We’re based in Europe, with experience working across the UK, Ireland, Belgium, France and other EU jurisdictions. We regularly work remotely and in hybrid formats to support international boards and leadership teams.

12. How can we get started?

It begins with a conversation. We’ll explore your priorities, outline how we can help, and shape a proposal that fits your needs and timing.