10 Best Board Governance Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
With so many different board governance software available, figuring out which is right for you is tough. You know you want to facilitate efficient management of board-related activities within your organization but need to figure out which tool is best. I've got you! In this post I'll help make your choice easy, sharing my personal experiences using dozens of different board governance tools with various boards and businesses, with my picks of the best board governance software.
What Is Board Governance Software?
Board governance software is a digital platform used by organizations to manage and facilitate the operations of their board of directors. It encompasses tools for organizing board meetings, managing documents, ensuring compliance with governance standards, and facilitating communication among board members. This software provides a centralized system for all activities and information related to board governance.
The benefits of board governance software include streamlined management of board meetings, enhanced efficiency in document handling, and improved communication and collaboration among board members. It ensures compliance with governance protocols and transparency in board operations. The software also offers secure storage and access to sensitive board materials, aiding in maintaining confidentiality. Additionally, it provides convenience for board members, enabling them to access information and participate in governance activities remotely.
Overviews Of The 10 Best Board Governance Software
Are you ready to take a deep dive into my assessment of the best board governance tools? Check out the overviews below to find a short summary of each platform, a few outstanding features, and a pricing breakdown. You’ll also see some pros and cons to help you narrow down your top options more quickly.
This board meeting and governance software helps board members simplify and streamline communication to reduce administrative friction. Whether you’re in-person or virtual, you get lots of advanced tools that streamline manual tasks, like agenda creation, taking meeting minutes, and opening related reference documents.
Why I picked Boardable: The agenda-building and meeting organization features are the two tools that really stood out to me. You can plan out every part of the meeting, assign key people, and include time limits to ensure meetings stay on track. You can also access the Meeting Page, which aggregates all relevant board documents, polls, and notes in one place.
Boardable Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include board pack creation to consolidate all board materials, virtual polling and voting, and a task manager for individuals and teams to follow-up on meetings and track to-do lists.
Integrations include Apple iCalendar, Dropbox, Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, LinkedIn, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, Yahoo Calendar, and Zoom Meetings.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Create, save, and edit templates
- Automated notifications from the get-go
- Free forever plans for new boards
Cons:
- Has a bit of a learning curve
- Limited mobile app functionality
This business intelligence platform was specifically built to support digital board meetings and remote governance operations. With an aim to streamline analytics tracking and unify communications, your board members have access to the data they need to make more informed decisions.
Why I picked OnBoard: The intelligence tools from this platform, including the Board Assessment feature, really make it stand out. With an assessment, you can set a better foundation for the future of the board, ensuring your team is developing the right priorities that strengthen performance and best practices.
OnBoard Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include diversity reporting that allows you to report, chart, and plan updates, as well as intelligent search to quickly find the documents, meetings, contracts, and message histories you need.
Integrations include ADP, Google Drive, Govenda, Microsoft 365, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Zoom Meetings.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Ideal for the first digital transition
- Intuitive meeting creation and navigation
- Easy to learn and use
Cons:
- Clunky minute builder tool
- Editing a meeting doesn’t show the changes
Best for ESG tools that address risk, compliance, and audits
Designed to help directors, leaders, and third parties collaborate and track data across the entire organization, Diligent ESG helps you make more informed decisions to meet your business goals. You can use this board governance platform to manage board, leadership, and committee meetings, communicate securely, automate workflows, and personalize dashboards.
Why I picked Diligent ESG: This tool made my list because it’s built for enterprises that need in-depth risk analytics for audits and compliance. The ESG (environmental, social, and governance) features enterprise risk management that takes a proactive approach to assessing risk, providing solutions, and allowing you to curate your risk and control libraries.
Diligent ESG Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include board meeting management tools with an agenda builder and meeting minutes recorder and FedRamp certified audit solutions for continuous monitoring.
Integrations include Microsoft Teams, Messenger, Okta, and SecurityScorecard.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Highly customizable plans and features
- Compliance and auditing focused tools
- Very easy to use after training
Cons:
- Building books is not as intuitive
- Has a bit of a learning curve
BoardPro
Best for advanced agenda building and document repository too
This board governance software places its focus on streamlining administrative processes, including creating board packs, setting agendas, taking meeting minutes, and assigning tasks. With its agenda builder tool, you enjoy access to pre-loaded templates or develop your own templates using drag-and-drop building blocks and clone them for future meetings.
Why I picked BoardPro: This platform made my list because its advanced agenda tools allow you to do more than simply build your agenda. It also embeds documents from your board pack automatically once the agenda is published. Open documents in the Board Pack view and make digital notes with in-app annotation tools, as well as assign automated reminders to documents so you can track notes, action items, and decisions.
BoardPro Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include automated notifications that send action items to their owners once a board pack is published and document storage of meeting minutes and notes in chronological order for simplified search functionality.
Integrations are not available at this time.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Intuitive and clean user interface
- Very easy to learn and use
- Tools make following up on actions easy
Cons:
- Limited integrations with no plans to expand
- Lots of features so can feel overwhelming at first
Designed to help non-tech-savvy users transition from paper to digital, eMeetings is an intuitive and ergonomically designed platform that enhances board governance and meeting scheduling. With its robust security features and variety of digital tools, like an agenda builder and meeting minutes, your board never has to take notes or print anything out on paper ever again.
Why I picked eMeetings: The reason this platform stood out to me is because it focuses on making everything simple to understand and convenient to use. Its purpose is to encourage board members who don’t like using digital technology to transition to the platform and utilize all its tools and features, including scheduling, notes, annotation, and communication.
eMeetings Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include document management and archiving to transition to a completely digital environment and automated notifications and updates that keep everyone on the same page.
Integrations are not available at this time.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust customer support team
- Simple to learn and use
- Designed to be very easy to navigate
Cons:
- Pricing is a little higher than average
- No integration with any other platforms
With this board governance platform, Convene strives to provide executives with the digital toolbox they need to share documents, connect through video conferencing, and collaborate in real-time. You can use document collaboration tools to edit and annotate documents during a virtual meeting and enjoy enhanced security features with AES-256 encryption and a remote wipe functionality.
Why I picked Convene: One of the features that stood out to me about this platform was the automated video transcription and recording. Any time your board hosts a meeting with Convene, it will automatically generate post-meeting recording and transcription that ensures anyone can revisit and catch up after the meeting is over.
Convene Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include an agenda builder and meeting publisher to organize meetings more easily and live meeting tools to ensure everyone is on the same page, like the Virtual Laser Pointer and Page Synchronization.
Integrations include Blissfully, Box, Dropbox Business, Google Meet, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, Skype, WebEx, and Zoom.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Straightforward access to corporate documents
- Smooth and intuitive interface
- Support teams provide training
Cons:
- Higher-cost platform than many others
- Initial learning curve is a little intense
As a leader in board governance services, Boardspan is a powerful board management and meeting solution that offers benchmark analytics, cloud-based assessments, dashboards, and education programs that ensure a holistic approach to governance. With board advisory and search services, you have a series of tools designed to enhance communication and insight.
Why I picked Boardspan: This tool made my list of the best board governance software because of a newly released feature called The Governance Curve™ framework. This update provides your board with a clear path toward growth and success, both on an individual level and as a group.
With milestones that address the incredibly complex management and strategic concerns of company growth, The Governance Curve is all about guidance that provides immense value for all stakeholders.
Boardspan Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include performance metrics based on objective and confidential board assessments and enhanced risk oversight that takes a proactive approach to identify risks, surface potential impacts, and suggest mitigation efforts.
Integrations are not available at this time.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Dynamic dashboards with real-time updates
- Analytics-heavy feature list
- Smaller company that’s happy to customize solutions
Cons:
- No free trial or demo to see how it works
- Limited integration options
As a comprehensive board meeting software and Diligent board brand, BoardEffect delivers agile board management that’s optimized to meet the needs of nonprofits, community healthcare, and higher education. With their annual meeting process tools, you enjoy access to new member orientation tools, like policy handbooks.
Why I picked BoardEffect: The reason this platform made my list was its new member orientation tools. Whether it’s a policy handbook that holds all strategic plans, procedures, and policies or data storage of all the documents related to a new position, BoardEffect provides collaborative workspaces and document management that streamline the onboarding process.
BoardEffect Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include ad hoc group creation and disassembly with permissions controls and unlimited paperless document storage with no limitation on file size or volume.
Integrations include Go-To Meeting, Google Drive, Okta, Tableau, and Zoom Meetings. BoardEffect has recently introduced a single sign-on integration panel.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Mobile app for work on-the-go
- Simple and intuitive navigation
- Outstanding ease of use
Cons:
- No sharing of images directly in messaging
- Clunky approval process workflow
Ansarada is designed to provide you with AI-powered board governance software that has virtual data rooms, deal-making tools, and next-level Q&A automation. With purpose-built, digitized, and customizable checklists and workflows, this tool is ideal for financial organizations. Enjoy end-to-end deal management that enables boards to run smoothly.
Why I picked Ansarada: What really caught my eye about this platform is the way you can take advantage of unique board features, including taking notes alongside any documents and comparing them side-by-side, as well as creating and publishing binders with the Binder Create Wizard that highlights and guides you through the entire process.
Ansarada Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include powerful security features with GDPR compliance and ISO27001 certifications and Virtual Data Rooms that centralizes all deal activity.
Integrations include Box, DropBox Business, Google Drive, and OneDrive. Ansarada also offers custom API integrations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust customer support services
- Basic interface with only the tools you need
- Simple and user-friendly
Cons:
- Pricing is a little higher than average
- Limited native integrations available
As a mobile-friendly board governance software, BoardPaq provides on-premise and cloud-based functionality for organizations of all sizes. You can use this platform to plan and manage board meetings, access collaboration tools to share documents, track projects and assignments, take polls, and create a central repository of all relevant board information.
Why I picked BoardPaq: I like this platform because its mobile-friendly approach is better suited for a world that has transitioned to working remote and on the go. The mobile app has the same look and feel across all devices so you don’t have to worry about adjusting navigation styles and workflow across iPhone, iPad, Chromebook, Android, or Windows operating systems.
BoardPaq Standout Features and Integrations
Standout features include a member homepage for news and announcements, customization for branding and personal needs, and a meeting calendar to simplify scheduling and material sharing.
Integrations include Microsoft 365.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Webinar training and guided onboarding
- Great customer support team members
- Affordable pricing plans
Cons:
- Incorrect login attempts lock users out very quickly
- Has a bit of a learning curve
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Boardable | From $49/month | Website |
| OnBoard | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Diligent ESG | Pricing upon request | Website |
| BoardPro | From $150/month/board | Website |
| eMeetings | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Convene | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Boardspan | Pricing upon request | Website |
| BoardEffect | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Ansarada Board | From $85 USD/user/month | Website |
| BoardPaq | From $39/month | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareOther Options
I couldn’t finish my list without including a few more platforms that caught my eye. Additional options for board governance software include:
- iDeals Virtual Board Room
Best for centralizing and sharing documents securely
- Sherpany
Best for Board and C-level Executives at European organizations
- Govenda
Best for artificial intelligence-driven administration efficiency
- eScribe
Best for running meetings in the public sector for citizen engagement
- BoardSpot
Best platform for custom, branded non-profit board portals and accessibility
- ContractZen
Best governance software for compliance and audit readiness
- BoardDocs
Best software for public school board meeting management and recording
- GOVRN
Best for Business Intelligence insights with real-time metrics
- BoardMaps
Best for maintaining and speeding decision-making processes
- DiliTrust Governance Suite
Best for streamlining meeting procedures
Selection Criteria For Board Governance Software
Here’s a short summary of the main selection and evaluation criteria I used to develop my list of the best board governance software for this article:
Core Functionality
There are several elements to the functionality of board governance software, including meeting scheduling. But if you’re wondering what else these tools should be able to do, take a look at the core functionalities I considered when building my list:
- Scheduling meetings
- Sharing meetings
- Creating agendas
- Tracking post-meeting notes
- Recording meetings
- Managing and archiving information
- Data protection
Key Features
With these core functionalities in mind, I checked the key features of every single tool on my list to ensure they had something that could deliver a little bit of everything. Look for some of these features on your own research path:
- Calendar management: Whether it’s an integrated calendar from your email account or an in-app calendar, you need some way to track meetings in a central place.
- Meeting invites: You should be able to distribute meeting invites with all the details directly from within your system.
- Agenda builder: Dynamic agenda-building based on templates allow you to create a fully digital document that can be shared among the entire team.
- Document annotation: Improve collaboration with comments, questions, notes, and highlights on documents as needed.
- Document storage: You need a central repository to record meeting histories and other essential documents for access in one place.
- Chat tools: Ensure your board has a variety of communication methods available to them so each one can use the tool that best suits their needs.
- Task tracking: Allow board members to create lists with action items and assign them out while tracking completion progress.
- Voting tools: As an essential board function, you need to be able to provide your board with a quick, easy way to make their opinion known.
- E-signature functionality: Legally binding and secure, this tool can digitally record, track, and store documents with signatures.
- Security controls: Decide who has the right permissions to view documents and take action.
Usability
I know this probably isn’t the only digital tool you’re using to streamline your workflow and enhance efficiency. To prevent slowdowns in the onboarding and implementation process, I prioritized tools that were straightforward and simple to learn. The top tools on my list also have intuitive navigation and robust customer support.
Software Integrations
Creating a well-rounded tech stack means more than just using a lot of digital tools — they also need to share information to prevent manual data entry and ensure up-to-date data. You’ll see that most of the board governance and management tools on my list link up with the most popular apps to sync regularly and share data.
Pricing
Board management solutions will vary in capabilities, functionality, and features, ensuring that you can expect a range of pricing. Most board management platforms will offer a subscription-based model with a per-user, per-month payment structure. Some may be as low as $10/user/month or as much as $200/user/month.
There are some notable exceptions to subscription pricing with options that offer a one-time licensing fee that may get up to $15,000 per year. You may find some more affordable options within the $100 to $1,000 range.
People Also Ask
There are a few more general guidelines that may help you decide on your board governance needs. Check out these frequently asked questions for a more comprehensive understanding of board management tools.
What are the benefits of board governance software?
Investing in these platforms, like board portal software and meeting management software, can have a ton of value, including:
- Reducing board administration costs
- Saving time on manual tasks through automation
- Digitizing paperwork for simpler document management, storage, and access
- Better tracking for more accountability and transparency
- Increased engagement with collaboration tools
- Enhanced security with data encryption and permissions settings
Who uses board governance software?
Board governance software is designed to manage boards and related committees, but many more people may need to use these tools, like executive assistants, human resources, and your financial team.
Traditionally, only large organizations had boards. Today, many smaller startup and non-profit organizations across a variety of industries also have boards. To accommodate this surge in smaller stakeholders, there are plenty of board meeting software options that strive to support niche businesses and public service institutions.
What is the difference between board governance and management?
Some people have been using the terms board management and board governance interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two. Governance refers to the board of directors coming together for decision-making that leads the direction of an organization, including oversight, financial planning, and strategic planning.
Management generally handles routine operational decisions, as well as administrative work. They oversee interdepartmental needs, instructing teams on everyday tasks, like hiring and firing, training, promotions, and policy enforcement that aligns with the board’s decisions. They are the liaisons between the board and lower-level employees.
Other Revenue Operations Software
There are plenty of tools that make up a complete business management tech stack. Find other options to support your operational needs here:
- Proposal Software
- Revenue Operations Software
- EPM Software
- Financial Services CRM Software
- Contract Management Software
- Sales Performance Management Software
- iPaaS Software
Next Steps
Whether you’re looking for tools to handle corporate governance, board intelligence, or meeting materials, the software I listed above can help. Choose the top two or three that meet your needs and sign up for free trials and demos to test them out in relation to your organization. Hopefully, you’ll find the right puzzle pieces to fill in any gaps in your tech stack.
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