Terms of Participation

By applying to participate in the BoardCompanions matching program, you agree to the following terms.

What BoardCompanions Does

BoardCompanions connects experienced business leaders ("Companions") with social-profit organisations ("SPOs") for pro-bono mandates on supervisory or advisory boards — for example, as non-executive directors or advisors. Mandates are always pro-bono and never executive.

We facilitate the connection through intake conversations, matching processes, and introductions. We support both parties through the placement and beyond, with learning events, peer support, and resources.

For Companions

Your Commitments

As a BoardCompanion, you commit to:

• Contributing your knowledge, experience, and competencies to the SPO you serve, on a pro-bono basis
• Acting independently and avoiding conflicts of interest
• Respecting the purpose and culture of the SPO
• Fulfilling your mandate with commitment, providing the agreed time and flexibility
• Maintaining confidentiality regarding information shared during the matching process and your work with the SPO
• Upholding high standards of personal ethics and intellectual honesty
• Participating in BoardCompanions learning activities and providing feedback on your placements
• Communicating openly if your commitments become compromised

These commitments are based on the BoardCompanions Charter for Companions, which you will be asked to sign before taking part in a matching process.

What You Can Expect

• A structured intake process including a personal conversation
• Access to matching processes with vetted organisations
• Support from the country team throughout the process
• Peer learning and networking within the BoardCompanions community
• The right to withdraw from the program at any time

For Organisations

Your Commitments

As a participating organisation, you commit to:

• Providing accurate and complete information in your application
• Participating in the matching process in good faith
• Treating Companion profiles shared during matching as confidential
• Welcoming the matched Companion and providing the support needed for an effective placement
• Providing feedback to BoardCompanions on the placement

What You Can Expect

• A professional intake process to understand your needs
• Access to experienced business professionals committed to pro-bono governance work
• Support from the country team in finding a suitable match
• No fees — BoardCompanions operates on a volunteer basis
• The right to withdraw from the process at any time

Important to Know

• No guarantee of a match. BoardCompanions facilitates introductions but cannot guarantee that a suitable match will be found. The quality of the match depends on the pool of available Companions and organisations at any given time.
• Pro-bono basis. Companions serve without compensation. Organisations are not charged for the matching service. BoardCompanions is a volunteer-run initiative.
• No employment relationship. BoardCompanions does not create an employment or contractual relationship between the Companion and the organisation. The terms of the board engagement are agreed directly between both parties.
• Our formal process ends at the match. BoardCompanions facilitates intake, matching, and introduction. Once a placement begins, the Companion and the organisation are in direct contact and continue from there bilaterally. BoardCompanions continues to offer the Companion network and selected support resources, but does not broker, mediate, or supervise the ongoing relationship.
• Liability. BoardCompanions facilitates connections but is not liable for the outcome of any placement or for any actions taken by Companions or organisations.
• Withdrawal. You may withdraw from the program at any time by notifying the country team or emailing info@boardcompanions.net.
• Data handling. Your personal data is processed in accordance with our privacy policy.

Last updated: April 2026