Suzanne Walker presented Benefits of a Strong Working Relationship Between your Human Resources Department and the Board of Directors at the New Jersey Bankers Association Human Resources Conference. The presentation description is below. 

A Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring compensation practices for its executive officers and employees are safe and sound, consistent with prudent compensation practices, competitive and comply with laws and regulations governing compensation practice.  In executing these duties, Boards (or a  Compensation Committee on behalf of its Board) often seek out additional information and alternative perspectives. Human Resource executives typically have access to all the internal data a Board needs (i.e. knowledge of existing compensation benefit plans and arrangements, as well as  an understanding of employee engagement, turnover and recruitment issues) and the ability to access outside data ( i.e. surveys and white papers). In addition, an HR Director can often act as a liaison between a chief executive officer and the Board on matters that may involve conflict. Whether you already have a seat at the table or you are looking to engage with your Board for the first time, this discussion will highlight the benefits of a strong working relationship between your Board and HR department.