In an era where sustainability and corporate responsibility are no longer optional ‘nice-to-have’s’, assembling the right advisory board can be a catalyst for long-term, ethical growth. For large, complex organisations, the challenge isn’t just finding experienced board advisors... it’s ensuring the board reflects the vision, culture, diversity, and accountability needed for the organisation’s future.
Over the last 20+ years, we’ve assembled numerous boards and advisory boards for a whole range of organisations. Here’s a few things we’ve learned along the way that might help you if you’re considering recruiting a dream team of board advisors for your business...
1. Define the Board’s True Purpose
Before even thinking about identifying possible candidates, first clarify whether the board’s primary role is strategic guidance, stakeholder engagement, risk oversight, or a combination. Clear purpose prevents role confusion and gives you the best possible chance of attracting the right calibre of board advisors from the outset.
2. Seek Multi-Dimensional Diversity
Diversity goes beyond gender and ethnicity. In a responsible business context, it includes diversity of professional background, geography, social background, generational perspective, and stakeholder representation (e.g., community leaders, sustainability advocates, industry disruptors).
3. Prioritise Sustainability Credentials
In 2025, companies face unprecedented scrutiny on environmental and social governance. Advisors should not only understand ESG principles but have a track record of applying them in complex, real-world scenarios. Using Sherrington’s unique 4A Sustainable Leadership Assessments is a great way to assess advisory board candidates for their potential for sustainable leadership (more here).
4. Balance Insider Knowledge with Fresh Perspectives
Industry expertise is vital, but so is the ability to challenge entrenched thinking. Blending sector veterans with other leaders from adjacent industries prevents insularity and can help you build a more rounded perspective in the boardroom. Your search partner should be able to advise on lateral matches from outside your sector.
5. Establish Clear Governance and Term Limits
Even pro-bono advisors need defined roles, expectations, and terms. Term limits help refresh perspectives over time and avoid stagnation. Again, talk to your search partners for advice on h0w to balance commitment within the TOR’s.
6. Foster a Culture of Constructive Challenge
The most effective advisory boards aren’t echo chambers. Create an environment where differing views are welcomed and respectful debate is the norm. An experienced Chair should lay the foundations for constructive dialogue by creating a trusting, safe space from the very first meeting. Think very carefully about who you appoint as Chair.
7. Align on Impact Measurement
Agree early on how the board’s success will be evaluated — from sustainability milestones to stakeholder trust metrics — and review progress regularly. This doesn’t need to be overly complex, but identifying key deliverables will help manage expectations and help you stay on course once the board’s in place.
Closing Thought:
A well-curated advisory board becomes more than a group of experts — it’s a moral compass and a strategic engine. When chosen with intention, it can help an organisation navigate not just today’s challenges, but the generational shifts that define its legacy. Talk to our team to learn how we can help you shape a powerful advisory board to help you grow sustainably...
