Board of Directors Resignation Letter Samples – Templates

A board of director resignation letter is a formal letter written by a board member who wishes to resign from their position.As a board member looking to resign, you need to know how to write a resignation letter.

As a member of the board of directors, you are in a position of power where you are responsible for governance, crucial decision-making, and the proper execution of leadership. However, it would be best to keep in mind that you are still an employee and that the board position has been beneficial to you in many ways. From gaining experience to getting compensated and having new contacts, being a part of a board of directors is rewarding. Therefore, it is polite and professional for you to use a letter when you want to resign from the board position.

Whether you are leaving your job permanently or temporarily, you need to communicate your plans with the board effectively. You can write down all the relevant details and even offer help with replacing you. The best way to handle this is by formally writing a resignation letter to inform the board.

You will need to specify if the resignation is immediate or if it is after some time. This decision will depend on whether you have pending duties and responsibilities that you must accomplish before leaving. This letter is the best way to part ways with the board, and if properly written, it guarantees that the board will not reject your request.

Importance

It is crucial to write and submit a board resignation letter to the board when you want to resign from your position due to the following benefits:

• It offers a formal way of informing the chair and president of the board of your intentions.
• It is also an effective way of presenting your reasons for leaving your job.
• The letter is essential as it enables you to give written notice of the day your resignation will become practical to avoid confusion.
• It is also professional and allows the board to adjust and make changes regarding your position.

Information to Include

This letter usually follows the outline of most resignation letters. Therefore, you can write a properly formatted one with those basic steps. Here are the steps you should observe when writing this letter. First, ensure you include all the mentioned information in it.

Intent to resign

You should start by mentioning your intent to resign. Ensure that the information is clear to the recipient of your letter, who is usually the chairman of the board of directors. This will help to avoid confusion.

Give an end date

You should also provide an end date. This refers to the date you will be resigning from your board position. This information is essential, whether you are resigning immediately or after a while. Including the exact date of your resignation will provide the board chairman with enough notice.

Explain why you’re resigning

The following paragraph of the letter should focus on your reasons for resigning. Explain why you are resigning, but briefly. Avoid going into details since it should be as short as possible.

Express gratitude

It would be best to express your gratitude for the chance to serve on the board of directors. Ensure that you thank the board and even wish them well as they continue their work without you. Being grateful is a polite and respectful thing that must be included regardless of your reasons for resigning from your job. Remember to show your appreciation, as you might get the chance to work with the same board members elsewhere again.

Offer to help

You can also offer to help them with the transition process, especially if your resignation is not immediate and you have the time to do so. This can include guiding the new board member, finishing up pending projects, and any other way you can help out that will not be time-consuming for you.

Closing

The final part of the letter is the closing section. You should use a formal and complimentary close, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards.” Ensure you include a handwritten signature and typed name at the end of the letter.

Board of Directors Resignation Letter Template and Samples

Here are templates and samples you can use as you write your resignation letter:

Key Takeaways

In these three resignation letters, it’s clear that they each effectively communicate a resignation professionally and respectfully.

Here’s why they would serve as useful guides for someone looking to write a similar letter:

1. All three letters maintain a professional format, including a formal greeting, and a signature. The tone throughout is respectful and courteous, which is crucial in maintaining professional relationships after resignation.
2. Each letter clearly states the intent to resign, along with the effective date. This clarity is important in a resignation letter, as it leaves no room for misunderstanding.
3. The letters include expressions of gratitude for the opportunities provided during the tenure. This helps to reinforce positive relationships and shows professionalism.
4. In all the letters, there is an offer to assist during the transition period. This gesture demonstrates responsibility and a willingness to ensure a smooth handover, which is highly professional and considerate.
5. The letters close with well-wishes for the organization or a note of appreciation. This positive conclusion is a good practice for maintaining a positive ongoing relationship with the former employer.

These key aspects make these letters effective guides for writing a resignation letter. 

Letter Writing Tips

It would be best to have special considerations in mind as you write your resignation letter. With these tips, you will write properly and professionally.

Here are some tips that you need to consider:

• Be professional: Ensure that you use a formal business letter format when writing your one. You will remember to include your address, contact information, and signature in this format. This way, you will remain professional even as you resign.
• Indicate the effective date: when resigning from a board position, it’s vital to indicate when the decision will take effect. For instance, you can state that you’re leaving immediately or on a specific date.
• Embrace professionalism: Although most board positions are unpaid, you should consider this resignation as any other formal resignation and accord it the respect it deserves. Use a business letter format. If you can also send it via email.
• Highlight your reasons for resigning: You should briefly highlight why you’re quitting. For instance, you may be resigning due to a family emergency, sickness, lack of time, a new job, etc.
• Offer to assist if needed: As you resign from your current board position, you should state that you’re ready to help when required. If you have some unfinished tasks, you should assist in finishing up these projects.
• Thank the institution: use this opportunity to thank your colleagues and the institution for the chance to serve on the board. Embrace a positive tone in your letter.
• Use proper formatting: You should adequately format your letter using the professional formatting style for formal letters. Ensure you use the appropriate font type and font size: Times New Roman, Roboto, Helvetica, or Arial in 10- and 12-point font. These font types and sizes make the letter neat and easier to read. Also, the margin around your document should be one inch all around. Finally, use the block format instead of the indented format when styling your letter.
• Proofread and edit your letter: Since this is a professional document, ensure that you make and maintain a positive impression. After writing it, always proofread your letter and edit any grammar and spelling mistakes.

Conclusion

It is advisable to find a formal way of announcing your departure from your job once you want to resign in an official setting. As a board member, the best approach is to write a resignation letter. With this letter, you will be able to formally inform the chairman and other board members of your intention.
A properly written, well-formatted, and edited resignation letter is what you will need to present to the board. This should be done only after you have spoken to the board and informed them of your plans. Always focus on highlighting your plans to resign and mentioning the reasons for that decision. You can use our template and sample to write your letter.

About This Article

Authored by:

William Lehr

Human Resources Specialist, MS Office Expert

William Lehr combines a profound understanding of human resources with a certified expertise in Microsoft Office, making him a dual asset in any professional setting. With a keen insight into the intricacies of HR, William adeptly manages talent acquisition, employee relations, and organizational development. His Microsoft Office proficiency further amplifies his effectiveness, allowing him to design and implement seamless workflows, reports, and analytical tools. Whether it's optimizing HR processes or crafting efficient MS Office solutions, William's comprehensive skill set ensures that organizational objectives are met with precision and excellence.