Corporate governance review proposal: Free template
Customize this free corporate governance review proposal with Cobrief
Open this free corporate governance review proposal in Cobrief and start editing it instantly using AI. You can adjust the tone, structure, and content based on your client’s size, structure, and regulatory context. You can also use AI to review your draft — tighten sections, spot gaps, and improve clarity before sending.
Once you're done, send, download, or save the proposal in one click — no formatting or setup required.
This template is fully customizable and built for real-world use — ideal for startups, growth-stage companies, nonprofits, and boards preparing for audits, funding, or restructuring. Whether you’re a lawyer, governance advisor, or compliance consultant, this proposal helps you present your scope clearly and win work faster.
What is a corporate governance review proposal?
A corporate governance review proposal outlines how you’ll assess a company’s governance framework — including board structure, decision-making protocols, legal compliance, and internal controls. It defines your review scope, methodology, deliverables, and pricing.
This type of proposal is used by legal consultants, compliance professionals, and advisory firms when a company is preparing for funding, audit, acquisition, or internal reform. It differs from a legal health check or risk audit by focusing specifically on governance structures and board-level responsibilities.
It’s especially relevant for businesses with investors, international entities, or plans for scale.
Why use Cobrief to edit your proposal
- Edit the full proposal instantly: No formatting or document setup required — just open and customize.
- Use AI to tailor your content: Adjust based on entity type, jurisdiction, board size, or sector.
- Run a full AI-powered review: Spot unclear sections, missing elements, or vague deliverables before sending.
- Apply edits in one click: Accept all suggestions or review them section-by-section.
- Save, send, or download: Export your final version as a clean, professional PDF in seconds.
When to use this proposal
- When advising a company ahead of an investment, audit, or M&A transaction
- When a client is restructuring or refreshing their board and corporate structure
- When helping a nonprofit or international subsidiary improve board accountability
- When reviewing compliance with local laws, regulatory codes, or ESG governance principles
- When bundling governance review with broader legal health checks or risk assessments
What to include in a corporate governance review proposal
- Project overview: Summarize the review objective — such as ensuring board effectiveness, improving decision-making structures, or meeting investor expectations. Tailor this based on the client’s goals and industry.
- Scope of work: List the components you'll assess — board composition, committee structures, bylaws, shareholder rights, reporting processes, role clarity, and key governance documents. Clarify whether interviews, document reviews, or benchmarking are included.
- Timeline: Provide a project schedule — from kickoff and document collection to board interviews, findings analysis, and report delivery.
- Deliverables: Specify what the client will receive — typically a governance audit report, risk summary, recommendations, and optional implementation support.
- Pricing: Present your fees clearly — flat project fee, hourly consulting, or phased pricing. Include what’s covered and any optional add-ons (e.g., governance policy drafting, board training).
- Call to action / next steps: Close with a clear prompt — approve the proposal, confirm scope, or book a discovery session. Keep it direct and professional.
How to write an effective corporate governance review proposal
- Align with business goals: Frame governance as a tool for scale, accountability, and risk reduction — not just box-ticking.
- Avoid legalese: Write in clear language so both legal and business stakeholders can follow your value.
- Define scope clearly: Be specific about what will and won’t be reviewed — especially in group structures or multinationals.
- Highlight independence and rigor: Reinforce the credibility and objectivity of your process.
- Tailor to the entity type: Governance for a VC-backed startup looks different than for a nonprofit or holding company — adjust your language accordingly.
- Finish strong: Always include a CTA that leads to action.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What does a corporate governance review typically include?
It usually covers board structure, decision rights, meeting procedures, charters, shareholder protections, and governance documents. You can adjust based on company size and complexity.
Can this review help prepare for fundraising or due diligence?
Yes — many investors review governance practices. This proposal is ideal for identifying and resolving gaps before due diligence begins.
Can you include benchmarking or best practices?
Absolutely. If relevant, you can benchmark the client’s governance model against market standards or regulatory frameworks.
Is this suitable for international or group structures?
Yes — just clarify in the scope whether you’re reviewing a single entity or multiple jurisdictions and boards.
Does this proposal replace a legal contract?
No — this outlines your scope and pricing. A separate contract or engagement letter should follow if the client agrees.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.