India Leaders for Social Sector (ILSS) highlights the critical role of a two-tiered governance model combining advisory and governing boards to boost accountability, strategic decision-making, and organisational performance in India’s emerging social sector.
The India Leaders for Social Sector (ILSS) unveiled a report emphasizing the need for a two-tiered governance model in India’s social sector at the second India Women Leadership Conference. This model combines the legal and fiduciary responsibilities of governing boards with the strategic advisory role of advisory boards to enhance nonprofit performance, accountability, and impact.
With growing complexity in the social sector, advisory boards bring valuable networks, expertise, and strategic insights that complement governing boards' compliance and fiduciary duties. This collaborative governance framework helps nonprofits shift from operative to strategic approaches, enabling sustainable growth and institutional trust.
The ILSS report also outlines key leadership challenges faced by the sector, such as over-reliance on founders, limited talent pipelines, compliance demands, and fundraising pressures. It advocates for professional leadership development supported by resilience-building, coaching, peer learning, and flexible funding to ensure long-term organisational resilience.
Key Highlights:
Two-tiered governance model integrates advisory and governing boards for higher impact.
Advisory boards enhance strategic decision-making and bring expertise and networks.
Governing boards retain fiduciary responsibilities and ensure legal compliance.
The model fosters better organisational performance and accountability.
ILSS calls for investment in leadership capacity, flexible funding, and tech alignment.
Report presented at the second India Women Leadership Conference with 190 women leaders.
Source: India Leaders for Social Sector (ILSS) official report and The Hans India coverage