Filene Conducts CU Governance Survey Posted by AVCU on 11:50 AM

The Filene Research Institute is conducting the first-ever North American-wide study on credit union governance practices.  The project will identify credit union governance models best suited to achieving credit union growth in the 21^st century. The online survey runs from September 12, 2011 through to October 31, 2011 and seeks participation by chief executive officers, board chairs or governance committee chairs at credit unions in the United States and Canada.  The survey seeks to gather data on a variety of governance issues, including:

• Credit union motivators for change and growth;
• Board composition, director diversity and regional representation;
• Director competencies, recruitment practices and training;
• Credit union policies for director term limits;
• Board self-evaluation and director assessments; and
• Credit union experience at annual general meetings.

Researchers will also conduct interviews with credit union system governance thought-leaders and practitioners as well as credit union regulators. Information gathered will be used to conduct case studies of strong or innovative credit union governance practices. This inter-country study will enable credit unions to compare, contrast and learn from governance practices of U.S.-based credit unions, Canadian credit unions, and Desjardins caisses. A final report will be made to Filene members, participating U.S. credit unions, and all Canadian credit unions in early 2012.

To participate, chief executive officers, board chairs and governance committee chairs are encouraged to visit http://bit.ly/nQ5gqw.  The survey results will be kept in strict confidence by the researchers and will only be used for academic purposes.