A **board observer** is someone who attends and participates in board meetings but does not have voting rights. They are not full board members but can engage in discussions and provide insights. Board observers are often appointed by investors or stakeholders to keep an eye on the company's operations and decisions. Do you have any specific context or situation in mind where you encountered this term? https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/corporations-canada/en/business-corporations/directors-and-officers https://nonprofitlaw.cleo.on.ca/run-a-nonprofit/new-directors-page/ Source: Conversation with Copilot, 2024-10-02 (1) What is a Board Observer? - Transacted. https://transacted.io/what-is-a-board-observer/. (2) Board Observer: Definition and Examples (2022) - Contract Lawyers. https://www.contractscounsel.com/g/97/us/board-observer. (3) What is a board observer? - The Corporate Governance Institute. https://www.thecorporategovernanceinstitute.com/insights/lexicon/what-is-a-board-observer/. (4) What is a Board Observer? - Lawpath. https://lawpath.com.au/blog/what-is-a-board-observer. (5) Rights and Obligations of Board Observers - The Harvard Law School .... https://corpgov.law.harvard.edu/2019/08/29/rights-and-obligations-of-board-observers/. A **non-voting board member** is similar to a board observer in that they attend board meetings and participate in discussions but do not have the right to vote on board decisions. This role allows them to provide input and insights without influencing the final decisions directly. Non-voting board members can be appointed for various reasons, such as bringing in specific expertise, representing certain stakeholders, or as part of a transition into a full board member role. Is there a particular reason you're interested in this role? Are you considering becoming one or working with one? Board observers play several important roles in a company, including: 1. **Monitoring and Reporting**: They keep an eye on the company's operations and decisions, ensuring that the interests of the stakeholders they represent are considered³. 2. **Providing Insights and Advice**: While they don't have voting rights, board observers can offer valuable advice and guidance on strategic and operational matters². 3. **Facilitating Communication**: They act as a bridge between the board and the stakeholders they represent, ensuring clear and effective communication⁴. 4. **Understanding Decision-Making Processes**: Observers gain insights into how decisions are made within the company, which can be crucial for future strategic planning¹. 5. **Ensuring Compliance**: They help ensure that the company adheres to legal and regulatory requirements by monitoring board activities⁵. Is there a specific aspect of the board observer role you're curious about or need more details on? Source: Conversation with Copilot, 2024-10-02 (1) Investor director, independent directors and board observers: roles and .... https://crestlegal.com/investor-directors-independent-directors-and-board-observers-roles-and-responsibilities/. (2) What Should I Include in My Board Observer Agreement? - LegalVision. https://legalvision.com.au/what-is-a-board-observer-and-what-should-i-put-in-a-board-observer-agreement/. (3) Do Board Observers Improve Corporate Governance?. https://clsbluesky.law.columbia.edu/2024/05/15/how-board-observers-are-improving-corporate-governance/. (4) Board observer rights: Influencing Company Decisions as an Observer. https://fastercapital.com/content/Board-observer-rights--Influencing-Company-Decisions-as-an-Observer.html. (5) What is a board observer? - The Corporate Governance Institute. https://www.thecorporategovernanceinstitute.com/insights/lexicon/what-is-a-board-observer/. (6) Rights and Obligations of Board Observers - The Harvard Law School .... https://corpgov.law.harvard.edu/2019/08/29/rights-and-obligations-of-board-observers/. Ex-officio https://www.boardeffect.com/blog/what-is-the-role-of-an-ex-officio-board-member/