United South End Settlements

“The form 990 is reviewed by the president/ceo, vp of operations, outsourced accounting firm, finance/audit committee, and the chairman of the board before it is filed. In addition, a copy of the final form 990 is provided to all board members before it is filed.”

“The board of directors has a written conflict of interest policy. Pursuant to the policy, directors who believe a potential transaction with uses may involve a conflict must report that transaction and all material facts in writing to the executive committee. No involved director may be present for the discussion or vote, nor may such director influence or make recommendations with respect to such vote. A disinterested majority of the executive committee (or a disinterested majority of the board, if a majority of the executive committee is disqualified from acting) will vote on the transaction. Approval shall be based on a finding that the transaction is fair to uses and in the best interests of the organization, that it appears that uses cannot obtain a more advantageous arrangement with reasonable effort and that the transaction will not constitute an excess benefit under section 4958 to the internal revenue code. Annually, each board member will sign a statement provided by uses to the effect that he/she has read and understands this policy and agrees to comply with it. The director will also disclose on that statement information relating to potential conflicts of interest. In addition, the organization has a separate conflict of interest policy that is applicable to all employees (including officers and key employees) which requires disclosure of potential conflicts to immediate managers and/or hr.”

“The board of directors reviews and approves the compensation of the executive director. In fy15, the organization engaged an independent search firm to search for prospective candidates and to assist with determining an appropriate compensation package for a new ceo. In order to determine the compensation package, the search firm provided salary information for comparable positions in boston, considered the compensation paid to the previous ceo, and surveyed the final five candidates for what they were seeking in compensation. In addition, prior to engaging the search firm, several other consultants were interviewed, and they each provided what they felt was an appropriate range for the ceo's compensation. The final compensation amount was approved by the board in december 2014. The deliberations and decision were contemporaneously documented. Form 990, part vi, section b, line 15b the organization did not compensate any other employees meeting the irs definitions of officers or key employees.”

“The organization makes its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public upon request.”

“Process did not change from prior year.”