It's not too late for credit unions to take part in what the Filene Research Institute calls the first of its kind study of credit union governance practices.

Designed by a team of three credit union governance experts led by Peter Goth of the University of Dublin, the study seeks to identify the best models for future industry growth.

Covering governance issues ranging from credit union motivators for change/growth, board composition, director diversity, and regional representation; and director competencies, recruitment practices, and training; to director term limit policies and board self-evaluation/director assessments, the online survey is open to credit unions of all sizes.

According to Filene, the survey takes about 20 minutes and individual responses will be kept in strict confidence by the researchers.

CEOs, board chairs and governance committee chairs at credit unions in the United States and Canada, including the Quebec's caisses Desjardins system, have until Oct. 31 to take part in the online survey.