Direct HR Reporting to the Board

By Kirsten Smith, Chartered Governance Professional

The question of whether HR should have a direct reporting line to the board is one that comes up regularly in governance discussions, particularly in not-for-profit and public sector contexts.

There are legitimate reasons why boards seek greater visibility over people and culture matters. But a direct reporting line from HR to the board raises significant governance questions about role clarity, management accountability, and board overreach.

This article explores those tensions and offers a governance framework for thinking through the right approach for your organisation.