In the context of an increasing number of first-time and "next-gen" (under 50) public company directors, Spencer Stuart/Diligent's "Refining the Roadmap: A Guide to Onboarding Next-Gen Board Talent" identifies the core elements of an effective onboarding program with reference to Spencer Stuart's recently published director onboarding program recommendations & checklist, and suggests key onboarding-related responsibilities and tips for the corporate secretary and other members of management, board leadership, and other seasoned (as well as the incoming) directors.
As to the corporate secretary specifically, the guide notes:
The corporate secretary can assess the knowledge gaps of next-gen directors and serve as a valuable connector of people and resources across the organization—but also externally. Recommending industry publications or a favored board-readiness program can be immensely helpful to new directors who may be struggling to discern which resources and programs can offer the most value.
Corporate secretaries are encouraged to: (i) explain their role to new directors who may very well be unfamiliar with when and how to use them as a resource; (ii)provide context to new directors on board/director personalities, preferred communication methods and other important historical and interpersonal information that is rarely attainable from board materials or other deliverables; and (iii) be cognizant of new directors' special skill sets that may call for additional tailoring during the onboarding process.
Importantly, although specifically geared toward circumstances commonly associated with first-time and next-gen directors, the publication's sound recommendations are more broadly applicable to onboarding programs and processes generally.