Board of Directors Role and Responsibilities

1.0 ROLE

1.1 The role of the Board, on behalf of the Members of Travellers Aid, is to provide effective governance of the organisation, represent it to the community and accept responsibility for its operations.

1.2 In performing this Role, the Board will put the interests of Travellers Aid ahead of those of all other stakeholders.

2.0 RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 Strategy and Business Planning

2.1.1 Participate in the annual Board and senior management strategic planning workshop that updates the 5 year strategic plan.

2.1.2  Approve the strategic plan.

2.1.3  Approve the annual business plan developed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) within the framework provided by the strategic plan.

2.1.4  Actively monitor implementation of the strategic and business plans in the context of the risk management policy.

2.1.5  Approve the scheduled reviews of Travellers Aid’s policies.

2.2 Funding and Budget

2.2.1 Approve the annual budget and participate in the biannual budget review.

2.2.2  Approve the monthly financial reports including expenditures.

2.2.3  Ensure that a fundraising strategy is in place to enable delivery of the strategic and business plans.

2.2.4 Monitor financial performance to ensure compliance with the agreed budget parameters.

2.3 Organisational Effectiveness

2.3.1 Approve the appointment of the CEO.

2.3.2 Consider and endorse CEO recommendations for the appointment of senior managers.

2.3.3  Ensure that succession plans are in place for key management roles (e.g. CEO and General Manager).

2.3.4  Approve appropriate compensation and benefits policies and practices.

2.3.5 Approve the CEO’s annual performance review based on the achievement of Key Performance Indicators agreed between the Board and the CEO at the start of each financial year.

2.3.6 Acknowledging the distinct roles of the Board and CEO and in conjunction with the President, support the CEO in the conduct of the incumbent’s duties (e.g. through mentoring or providing advice where the Board member has particular skills related to specific issues).

2.4 Operational Effectiveness

2.4.1 Approve major operational activities including capital expenditures, programs and service delivery based on the CEO’s recommendations. Consider and approve any significant changes to these activities.

2.4.2  Ensure the CEO has a workforce plan in place, including training and development programs, to deliver relevant and high quality services to clients that will enhance Travellers Aid’s reputation.

2.4.3  Review the operational performance of the organisation measured against the strategic and business plan goals and the CEO’s key performance indicators.

2.5 Audit

2.5.1  Recommend the appointment of independent auditors to members for approval at the Annual General Meeting.

2.5.2  Be assured that the Board and its Committees are accurately informed in a timely way – through reports and other methods – on the condition of Travellers Aid and its operations.

2.5.3  Ensure that the Board and CEO are implementing appropriate policies and strategies that comply with all relevant laws.

2.6 Board Performance

2.6.1 Prepare for, and actively participate in Board and Board Committee meetings and the annual strategic planning workshop.

2.6.2  Participate in events and networking activities that promote the objectives, programs, community presence and reputation of Travellers Aid.

2.6.3  Contribute to the annual formal Board performance review and support the implementation of measures to enhance its performance.

2.6.4 Identify potential Board members to enable effective renewal and succession planning to ensure the right skill sets are available to the Board.

3.0 DESIRED PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BOARD MEMBERS

3.1 The following are desired personal characteristics of Travellers Aid Board members.

3.1.1 The ability to listen, analyse, think clearly and creatively, work well with people individually and in groups.

3.1.2  Have the courage to constructively challenge, question and advocate views and positions within the Board to ensure the best possible decisions are made.

3.1.3  Maintain Board confidentiality.

3.1.4  Interest in staying well informed on developments in the sectors where Travellers Aid operates to maximise contributions to it.

3.1.5  Demonstrate an ability to support the CEO and senior managers including mentoring and in personal and professional development as appropriate.

3.1.6 Possess a strong set of personal values related to honesty, integrity and trust and demonstrate: sensitivity to and tolerance of differing views and cultures; a friendly, patient and responsive approach; a sense of humour and; commitment to the development of Travellers Aid and the services we provide to the community

4.0 DUTIES OF BOARD MEMBERS

4.1 Meeting Requirements

4.1.1  Board members are expected to attend meetings every second month, i.e. six times a year; they shall attend the Annual General Meeting and contribute at a sub-committee level. They shall also uphold the Travellers Aid ideals and comply with the Policy: Governance; Role of the Board of Directors.

4.2 Involvement of Selection Process of new Board Member

4.2.1 Partake in board recruitment interviews if requested to be on the nomination committee, inclusive of a site tour.

4.3 Prior to commencing as a Board Member

4.3.1 Completion of Welcome Pack supplied, including Board member responsibilities, board nominee form, dates of meetings, constitution, annual report and copy of insurances.

4.3.2   Be involved in a one on one with President and CEO for a confidential discussion, a site tour can also be arranged.

4.3.3  Attend an induction / orientation session by Travellers Aid senior management. 

For more information, please contact Jodie Willmer, Chief Executive Officer Travellers Aid Australia on 0422 262 040 / 03 9654 2600 or jodie@travellersaid.org.au