To encourage greater member involvement the IHBC has just launched descriptions and specifications for posts to which trustees will be elected at the IHBC’s next AGM, to take place in Carlisle in June 2013, when at least two new postholders will be appointed – Chair and Vice Chair.
IHBC President Trefor Thorpe said: ‘I am delighted that it is during my tenure as President that we’ve managed to progress this critical area in our governance. The IHBC has evolved a long way from what it was even a decade ago: a small group of enthusiastic colleagues, often well known to each other personally as well as professionally. Today, we are recognised as a substantial authority, and operate as a complex charity, business and membership body with an increasingly diverse profile.’
‘We need an infrastructure that works with our new profile, and one that aligns with current standards of transparency, structure and skills in organisations. That way we can be sure that IHBC’s strategic lead, our Board of Trustees, will keep pace with the wider changes that are happening around it.’
‘Of course I’m especially interested in this area as I have recently been charged by council to advise on the future make-up of our constitutional structures. These job descriptions and specifications are another essential step that will help make our structures fit for purpose in the 21st century’.
IHBC Chair Jo Evans said: ‘Although our elections are not due until June 2013, I am especially happy that we have these new terms and processes in operation so early in our annual timetable. Any member with an interest in these roles can get a good idea of what they entail, and focus on skills needed for a successful nomination. Unlike the situation when I came into this post, my successor will at least have some idea of the kind of challenges involved.’
‘That said, no simple description can prepare a candidate for the challenges a particular post can generate. So, for prospective nominees, a critical part of the introduction will continue to be, rightly, a detailed discussion with the officer in post.’
‘So, to prepare for any of these roles, do first get involved with the IHBC’s work through our Branches and national committees. That is essential if you are to get to know the IHBC properly, our strengths as well as our limitations! And do also generate your own opportunities with us as well. In charities and conservation, no less than in business, committed self-starters are especially welcome, not least these days when resources are so stretched. Remember too the experience gained in these roles is great for your job and career prospects, as well as being essential for the IHBC’s charitable work.’
IHBC Vice Chair Sheila Stones said: ‘Like Jo, my term will also end in 2013, and I look forward to seeing who will take up the challenging role of vice chair. With Branch liaison and support for the chair as key duties for the vice chair, this is a role that demands a difficult balancing act between supporting local activities and wider national priorities.’
Eddie Booth, IHBC secretary, said: ‘These job descriptions and skills specifications tie the posts directly to our business and corporate plans. This means that roles, skills and duties are all formally integrated. Crucially, nominations and appointment processes can now be more easily understood, and more inclusive. As agreed by Council last year, we also have a process that can underpin the transparency generated by the job descriptions as required: the formal interview, scrutiny and, ultimately, recommendation of candidates by Council to the AGM. That process starts now, so if you are interested in getting more involved, let me know!’
Anyone interested in getting more involved with the IHBC’s work, and developing skills to serve as a trustee, should check out the current job descriptions, appended below, and register interest with the IHBC secretary Eddie Booth as soon as possible at: ihbcsecretary@ihbc.org.uk.
Essential information for Trustees
Council members of the IHBC are elected annually at our Annual General Meeting. Elected members then become the legal trustees and directors of the organisation and, in that role, have substantial duties and obligations to the institute as a registered charity and company.
Trustees’ duties include a requirement to operate in line with our Code of Conduct for Trustees, which specifies the high standards the IHBC demands of its trustees. These standards have been developed in line with the Nolan Committee’s ‘Seven Principles of Public Life’.
The IHBC’s Code for trustees may be summarised under the following headings:
Selflessness: A duty to act in the best interests of the Institute as a whole.
Integrity: Avoiding obligations to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them, and avoid any appearance of improper behaviour, or accepting gifts and hospitality that might influence judgment.
Objectivity: Ensure that decisions are made solely on merit.
Accountability: Comply with the law on all occasions and be accountable to the public, funders and service users, and submit to appropriate scrutiny.
Openness: Including both confidentiality for individuals and being open about decision processes.
Honesty: Declare interests and resolve conflicts in favour of the trustee role.
Leadership: Lead by example and respecting the role of the Chairman, staff and other trustees.
All trustees must sign up to and be bound by the IHBC’s Code for trustees. Failure to observe the trustees’ Code of Conduct is a breach of the IHBC’s professional Code of Conduct, and will threaten IHBC membership.
To ensure a proper observance of standards and codes, and as preparation for any role on the IHBC’s Council, all IHBC members and supporters are encouraged to develop their understanding of the Institute’s voluntary and professional activities by getting actively involved with their IHBC Branches and/or relevant national Committees.
The business papers, structure and operations of the IHBC, as well as the legal and ethical duties of trustees, are identified in the business papers and links listed at: LINK
For those interested in serving as Branch appointed trustees further details on Branch operations are available at: LINK
Download the job descriptions and person specifications for trustee roles here:
Chair
Vice Chair
Treasurer
Secretary
Membership Secretary
Education Secretary
Policy Secretary
Communications and Outreach Secretary
Branch appointed trustee
Download the guidance on the appointments process here: LINK
or visit: LINK
