We are able to assist with a range of issues relating to the composition, operation and improvement of board practice and have developed substantial expertise and resource materials over our 20+ years in business.

A few examples of services in this area include:

• Working with a new board to establish a suitable framework for operations.
• Assisting a board with the process and use of a system of performance review for a CEO.
• Working with new board members on the essentials of corporate governance and requirements of directorship.
• Preparing options for the future structure and composition of a board
• Developing long term succession plans for boards to align with strategic directions.

We have developed and maintain a lasting reputation for identifying high quality and suitably qualified candidates for a broad range of boards.

We operate a powerful database of candidates that provides an initial source of discussion with our clients and allows us to confirm and clarify the core requirements, behaviours, qualifications and conflicts that are relevant for the search.

Beyond this, we have a highly sophisticated research capacity, excellent contacts and networks across boards in Australia and New Zealand, and a reputation for creativity and analytical ability that allows us to identify candidates from ‘outside the square’.

All of our candidate shortlists include a diversity of qualified people to encourage the client to consider real options for improving the quality of board composition. To view a checklist around the requirements of a search process and other related material, visit our Board Resources.

Our recruitment services are charged on a set fee basis, which is negotiated with the client prior to commencement. This fee is dependent on the remuneration paid for the position, the scope of search required and the extent of assistance required from Johnson Partners.

Our Director Search services are charged on a set fee basis, which is agreed with the client prior to commencement. This fee is dependent on the remuneration paid for the position; the scope of search required; and the extent of assistance required from Johnson Partners.

Our services can range from a market scan to inform succession planning to a full search service with advice on appointment and remuneration. For unpaid board roles,  we  negotiate acceptable fees, in line with the charter and objects of the organisation.

In acknowledgment of the differences between operating environments for boards, we have developed a flexible framework that allows tailoring to organisational needs while retaining core data (Benchmarks) and results to make meaningful comparisons.

​Overall Board Performance

Our framework seeks to answer four key questions for every review we conduct:

• What are the key functions and responsibilities of this board?
• Who is on this board and why?
• How well does this board go about its business?
• When does this board make a difference?

Our approach can accommodate a review of board members only or one that involves senior management, shareholders and customers/suppliers. Review results are presented back to the board with recommendations for action. For some of our clients this has meant the beginning of an ongoing process of board development, for others it has meant a confirmation of the existing approach to board operations.

Individual Director Contributions

Increasingly, boards are interested in individual contributions to overall board performance, and we have built a model to complete these reviews in absolute confidence and in a way that integrates fully with our ‘whole of board’ model. Again, we use a framework and tailor the detail of the approach to the particular situation.​

• What does this director bring to the board?
• How well are their contributions received by the board?
• When do their interactions contribute to the overall performance?
• Does this director practice good governance?

​As a result of an individual director review, each director would receive a personal assessment and a full set of reviews would be made available to the Chair for discussion.

These reviews may be conducted in person, by ‘phone or on-line for a confidential and efficient result. Responses may be gathered from individuals or from group discussions. We are available to assist with implementation of recommendations and to work with boards on an ongoing basis.