The Law Society - board effectiveness review

The Law Society is the independent professional body for solicitors in England and Wales. It represents practitioners of different areas of law and from many demographics. The society is governed by the Law Society Council, to which individuals are elected to represent members from across England and Wales. The council's expertise, and that of around 300 volunteer board and committee members, is used to deliver the advice, support and services.

Our board effectiveness review was comprehensive and evidence-based, and the final report included manageable and practical recommendations for improvement. The review followed an internal audit conducted by KPMG and built upon the findings of that audit.

The Law Society review adopted the same methodology that we propose to use with Choice Housing, moving from inception through to document analysis, benchmarking, observations, one-to-one interviews and focus groups to inform the draft report.

After facilitating a board workshop to review and finalise findings, the final report was published, containing six specific and actionable recommendations in the areas of reinforcement of roles, responsibilities and ownership; growing diversity and non-executive contributions; improving relevant skills and assessment; strategic focus, cultural improvement and decision-making ability.

Impact

Robert Bourns, the late former chair of the Law Society, said: “I was pleased to work with GGi, who had been appointed to review and inform the effectiveness of the society’s governance structure. They worked quickly and effectively, winning the confidence of a varied stakeholder group, which included members of the society as well as members of the executive team.

“GGi assisted in developing and settling a structure that simplified and strengthened the society’s decision-making. Having implemented a new structure, effective from early 2018, the board commissioned a review of its effectiveness in 2022. We chose to appoint GGi for this purpose, as they had worked with us before and understood our objectives at that time as well as some of the sensitivities within the organisation.

“Again, the approach adopted was discrete and thorough, allowing those consulted to voice their views and experience of the structure and its effectiveness with candour. The report received was not uncritical, but encouraged an open response that was not defensive and has led to a separate piece of work to further clarify the effect of delegations, with a view to giving all parties greater confidence that matters are being dealt with appropriately.

“I judge GGi to be thorough and considered. We have found them helpful in an environment where decision-making and delegations must continue to develop.”