Governance Insights Center

Board assessments

Effective board assessments should do more than satisfy an annual requirement. PwC’s board assessments are designed to provide candid insight, independent perspective, and practical recommendations that help boards improve effectiveness and strengthen oversight.

Why boards turn to third-party assessments

At pivotal moments, boards often benefit from a fresh perspective. Whether the board is navigating a CEO transition, strategic transformation, activist pressure, heightened scrutiny, or frustration that prior evaluations did not lead to change, an independent assessment can help surface truth, create alignment, and build momentum.

What sets our approach apart

We start with the board's objectives, context, and priorities, so the assessment reflects the issues that matter most.

Confidential interviews with directors, and selected management input where appropriate, help reveal themes that a survey alone may miss.

We translate findings into clear, prioritized actions that boards can use to improve effectiveness.

We can help boards track progress over time so the assessment supports sustained improvement, not just a one-time discussion.

What we assess

Board and committee roles, decision-making, committee alignment, and overall governance design.

Board capabilities, succession planning, refreshment, and alignment between composition and long-term strategy.

Board agendas, meeting quality, management interaction, information flow, and opportunities to strengthen boardroom dialogue.

Director onboarding, continuing education, and ways to build board capabilities over time.

Board culture, group dynamics, candor, constructive challenge, trust, and the quality of decision-making.

How we work

1. Confirm scope and establish a plan

We align on objectives, stakeholders, timing, and the materials needed to support the assessment.

2. Assess current state

We gather input, review governance materials, and assess current practices against leading practices and the board's needs.

3. Recommend improvement opportunities

We synthesize themes, identify priority actions, and facilitate discussion on practical next steps.

Additional ways we can help

Committee assessments: Targeted assessments focused on committee effectiveness, oversight responsibilities, and operating rhythm.

Individual director assessments: Additional feedback that can support individual accountability, development, and refreshment discussions.

Follow-on education and facilitation: Targeted sessions to help boards address specific themes identified during the assessment.

Related services

Contact us

Ray Garcia

Partner, Governance Insights Center Leader, PwC US

Paul DeNicola

Principal, Governance Insights Center, PwC US

Matt DiGuiseppe

Managing Director, Governance Insights Center, PwC US

Carin Robinson

Senior Director, Governance Insights Center, PwC US

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Board assessments

Why boards turn to third-party assessments

What sets our approach apart

What we assess