Good Counsel Inc

“The vice chairman and finance committee of the board of directors of good counsel along with the executive director and controller first reviewed the entire 990 including the management questions. It was then discussed and returned to our outside auditors for further clarification and completion. A final draft was prepared , reviewed again by the above good counsel board and staff and sent electronically to the finance committee of the good counsel board of directors for further review and approval. Then the document is sent to the entire board of directors.”

“Good counsel's conflict of interest policy is included in their personnel manual and brought to the attention of all staff, mentioned repeatedly to managers and discussed when outside contracts or outsourced work is done. The board signs the conflict of interest policy, providing written acknowledgement that they have read and are familiar with the policy, and agree to disclose actual and potential conflicts of interest. The policy includes guidelines to assist board members and employees in avoiding conflicts of interest.”

“During the process of approving the budget each year, the board includes a review of the executive director's compensation. This last took place during 2013. During 2011, the finance committee requested outside, independent auditors to review the compensation of the executive director/president. A review of other similar agencies in the region were ascertained by our auditors in terms of executive salary. A range of similar agencies salaries was presented to the good counsel finance committee and passed along to the full good counsel board of directors for review, discussion and finally approval. The salary has not changed during 2013 since the 2011 review.”

“The organization makes its financial statements and 990 available every year by posting it on their website as well as on the charity navigator and guidestar websites. Governing documents and the conflict of interest policy are only available upon request.”

“Good counsel, inc's board, in consultation with the finance committee, which acts as the audit committee, will decide when and how to request and review its selection of an independent auditor. The finance committee may establish a subcommittee to review the process and recommend the audit firm. The finance committee will make a recommendation to the board for its further consultation. The entire board will vote to approve the audit firm.”