Board reports are a critical aspect of an organization's management. As a governing board, the role of the board is to provide advice as well as oversight - and to make sure that the company's various departments are heading in the right direction. A well-written document is a great way to demonstrate this.

Board members have a lot of responsibilities and the time they've scheduled for board meetings are a precious resource. It is crucial to make the most of their time and provide an organized, simple report.

The report to the board should start by presenting any key metrics relevant to the company’s goals and objectives. These might be financials, such as growth or profit, but they could also contain more detailed data like new user sign-ups, hiring rates, patent applications, or even product data. All of these should be considered in the context of your business's strategy, so that your board can gain valuable insights into how the company is doing.

Then, discuss any forthcoming changes or projects that will require the board's financial backing or approval. This can be a great way to stimulate the board to think about the next steps. Make sure you provide an overview of the situation and the next steps. Also, be sure to be clear about any potential risks or challenges that could occur.