An advisory council provides the board of directors with key information needed to make the best decisions for the organization. While the board leads the organization, its members often lack specialized knowledge on certain topics. Advisory councils fill this gap by providing valuable insights.
This overview explains what distinguishes an advisory council from other leaders in the organization, highlights how a board of advisors contributes to an organization’s success, and shows how board management software streamlines collaboration between boards and advisory teams.
What is an Advisory Council?
An advisory council is a group of experts or industry professionals who provide specialized knowledge and strategic advice to a board of directors. Unlike the board, which has formal governance responsibilities, an advisory council serves in a non-binding, consultative role.
Advisory councils are particularly valuable when board members lack deep expertise in certain areas, such as technology, finance, or regulatory matters. By leveraging the insights of an advisory council, a board of directors can navigate complex challenges and strengthen the organization’s overall strategy.
There are also several types of specialized advisory boards that are more permanent and are often seen as an auxiliary part of the board, only providing guidance when needed. Some advisory board examples include:
- Startup advisory boards: Provide guidance to help startup leaders succeed.
- Customer advisory boards: Consist of current customers who share their opinions about their experiences and what they would like to see from the organization.
- Change advisory boards: Support change management teams.
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Advisory Council Roles and Responsibilities
An advisory committee can support an organization in a number of ways.
Provide Specialized Information, Skills, and Expertise
An advisory council provides in-depth advice to the board on specialized topics like technology, legal, and regulatory matters. Advisory council members typically bring an acute specialty to the organization, rather than a broad knowledge base.
Provide Guidance and Oversight
An advisory council connects board members with in-depth information about innovative trends, cutting-edge techniques, best practices, and other current information in their field.
Help the Organization Run Successful Projects
An advisory council can also provide the extra support to make sure a project succeeds. Advisory councils can support these projects in several ways, such as:
- Providing additional manpower to ensure the organization can achieve its goals on time and on budget.
- Assisting with the planning process to ensure project goals align with larger business goals.
- Overseeing progress throughout the process and ensuring the organization meets deadlines and KPIs.
- Leading subcommittees to bring new members into the planning and execution processes.
- Helping with fundraising and promotion.
- Providing insights into potential benefits and risks.
Promote the Organization in the Community
An advisory council can provide insights into the types of organizations, projects, and initiatives that interest the community. They can also serve as an advocate for the organization by helping the community see the value of supporting that organization’s goals.
Advisory Council Tools
Board management software helps boards track their activities efficiently, making it especially valuable for those who frequently collaborate with advisory councils and other external groups.
High-quality board management software offers powerful features that enable boards to create and store minutes, communicate securely, archive and share documents, and protect sensitive information. These programs also integrate seamlessly with Zoom, Microsoft 365, and other digital tools to enhance security, collaboration, and productivity.
Getting Started with OnBoard
OnBoard software streamlines collaboration between advisory councils and the board by providing secure communication, document sharing, and meeting management tools. It ensures board members have easy access to expert insights, helping them make informed decisions to benefit the organization.
With features like real-time updates, secure messaging, and seamless integration with digital tools, OnBoard enhances efficiency, transparency, and governance for boards of all sizes.
Download our board management software buyer’s guide to learn about the key features and capabilities advisory councils and boards use to enhance governance.
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About The Author
- Adam Wire is a Content Marketing Manager at OnBoard who joined the company in 2021. A Ball State University graduate, Adam worked in various content marketing roles at Angi, USA Football, and Adult & Child Health following a 12-year career in newspapers. His favorite part of the job is problem-solving and helping teammates achieve their goals. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife and two dogs. He’s an avid sports fan and foodie who also enjoys lawn and yard work and running.
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