Governance Toolkit / Private capital and private company governance
Private capital and private company governance · Editable Word document · FreePrivate Company Board Essentials Checklist (Word)
A checklist for private company boards: composition, committees, information rights, meetings, conflicts, D&O insurance, observers and minutes.
Version 1.0 · Last updated
What it is
Private company boards range from founder-led boards to sponsor-controlled boards, and many grow up without a full governance framework. This checklist helps a chair, board secretary or general counsel confirm that the essentials are in place and documented. It is meant for an annual review and for any change in ownership, financing or board membership.
Who it's for
Chairs, board secretaries, general counsels and founders of private companies, including sponsor-backed and family-owned businesses.
When to use it
Use it at an annual governance review, after a financing or change of control, when adding outside directors or observers, and when preparing for an audit or sale process.
How to use it
- Work through each section and mark items that are in place.
- For any item not in place, record an owner and a target date.
- Keep the completed checklist with the board's records and revisit it each year.
Preview of contents
- 1. Board composition
- 2. Committees
- 3. Information rights
- 4. Meeting rhythm
- 5. Conflicts of interest
- 6. D&O insurance check
- 7. Observer protocols
- 8. Minutes
Get the template
Download the templateWord (.docx), 45 KB
Check your inbox for the download link.
Review with counsel before adoption. Templates are general resources, not legal advice.
Related
- Beyond the green dashboard: reading a program status report as a director (The Boardroom Brief)
- For private equity sponsors (jacobjameskahn.com)
- 100-Day Systems Roadmap Oversight