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Call for new Board Members

Policy Name:  Human Resources - Board Level

Category:  Job Description - Board Member (Director)

Review/Approval Date:

The Human Resources Committee annually reviews the Board member position description.  Recommended changes are presented to the Board for approval.

Authority/Responsibility:

The Board of Directors is the legal authority for the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa.

As a member of the Board, a Director acts in a position of trust for the Society and is responsible for the effective governance of the organization.

Qualifications/Skills: 

In order to assume this position, the incumbent must be willing to be a member of the Society and pay the annual membership dues. Directors have knowledge and skills in one or more areas of Board governance as follows: policy, finance, programs and /or human resources. Directors must be 18 years of age and not have an un-discharged bankruptcy or be mentally incompetent. Directors cease to have any authority if they resign, become bankrupt, or become mentally incompetent.

 

Term:

Directors are recommended by the Nominating Committee and elected by the membership at the Annual General meeting. Directors serve initially for a two-year term. Directors may be re-elected for two additional terms of two years each. Directors may be released at the end of their terms by resigning or in accordance with the Society’s by-laws. Directors may stand for re-election if they are assuming a position on the Executive.

Requirements:

Commitment to the work, mission and strategic goals of the organization;

  • Knowledge and skills in one or more areas of Board governance: policy, finance, programs and human resources;

  • Willingness to serve and actively participate on at least one standing Committee;

  • Attendance and active participation at Board meetings and Board orientation;

  • Commitment of 8 hours per month (includes Board preparation, meeting and Committee meeting time);

  • Attendance at the Annual General Meeting and other events planned by the Society;

  • Support of the services of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa and of the decisions of the Board even if they sometimes conflict with personal viewpoints;

  • Preparation for and participation in the discussions and the deliberations of the Board;

  • Awareness, declaration and abstention from any conflict of interest; and,

  • Conformity to Board policies and procedures.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Ensures the Board understands its responsibilities and avoids conflicts of interests;

  • Undertakes strategic planning aimed at carrying out the mission of the organization;

  • Is transparent, including communicating to members, stakeholders and the public, and responds appropriately, and within approved policy framework, to requests for information;

  • Represents the interests of women who are, who have been, and who may be at risk of being in conflict with the law. Understands, interprets and promotes the work of the Society to the community, inspiring confidence in its services;

  • Relates the services of the Society to the work of other agencies through liaison and communication with local community groups, governments and by ensuring that the board is represented at in the Council of Elizabeth Fry Societies of Ontario (CEFSO) and the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies (CAEFS);

  • Develops appropriate structures (e.g.: financial, governance) for the organization;

  • Maintains fiduciary responsibility pursuant to legal requirements;

  • Ensures that an effective management team is in place, and provides oversight of human resources;

  • Implements assessment and control systems; and,

  • Plans for the succession and diversity of the Board.

 

Major Duties:

In addition to carrying out the above responsibilities:

  • Governs the Society according to the Articles, By-laws and policies developed by the Board;

  • Reviews and recommends policy to the Board;

  • Prepares for and participates in discussion and deliberations of the Board;

  • Is accountable to the funders for the monies provided and ensures the service is commensurate with the funding proposals submitted;

  • Monitors the financial health of the organization, and ensures steps are taken to manage financial risks or issues including review of monthly financial statements, and approval of the Society’s annual budget;

  • Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of the Society through the development and use of assessment and control systems;

  • Establishes overall long and short terms goals, objectives and priorities for the Society in meeting the needs of the clients, community, staff and other defined stakeholders;

  • Fosters a positive working relationship with other Board members, and staff;

  • Promotes the Society through community networking, events, etc. and supports fundraising initiatives;

  • Communicates and represents the Society in accordance with approved policy;;

  • Provides leadership and support for the organization;

  • Seeks nominations for the election to the Board when appropriate;

  • Provides advice and assistance to Board members and staff in areas of expertise;

  • Approves the hiring and/or termination of the Executive Director, including the Executive Director’s employment contract, based on recommendations from the Human Resources Committee;

  • Supports and participates in the evaluation of the Executive Director’s performance on an annual basis, or more frequently should it be required;

  • Participates cooperatively and effectively as team member;

  • Maintains confidentiality;

  • Chairs or serves on a committee if not serving on the Executive Committee; and,

  • Advises committee chairperson of significant information prior to being addressed at Board meetings.

Submitted to Board                                                             Date: October 20, 2005

Date of adoption                                                                 Date:  December 15, 2005

Revised                                                                              Date:  June 12, 2008

Please send a resume and cover letter, electronically to Kerry Walsh, Executive Assistant

kerry.walsh@efryottawa.com