The Onboarding Book (2012)

In brief: The Onboarding Book is a robust blueprint that can be customized to complement the dossiers that board leaders provide new directors. The publication includes sample templates for policies, practices, committee charters, board, and committee evaluation tools.

How boards can use this resource: This publication is a useful resource to support new director orientation. It includes samples and templates relating to the following areas:

• About Our Company

• About Our Board

• Board Responsibilities

• Board and Director Evaluation

• ABC Governance and Policy Documents

The focus on the board’s compensation committee has never been sharper. The components of compensation plans and the link between compensation and company performance are under intense scrutiny from shareholders, employees, policymakers, the media, and other stakeholders. The Report of the NACD Blue Ribbon Commission on the Compensation Committee revisits NACD’s 2003 Report of the NACD Blue Ribbon Commission on Executive Compensation to highlight the new environment in which compensation committees—and, more broadly, boards—are now operating. It recommends that the compensation committee and board work together to establish an executive compensation philosophy that supports the company in creating long-term, sustainable value.

The report includes ten specific recommendations for compensation committees to consider when evaluating their compensation philosophies. It also provides practical tools, such as sample compensation committee charters, a compensation committee assessment, and guidance on executive employment contracts.