Roles
What is my job as a board member and as the chair?
The job or role of a board member can best be described as the need to conform to a number of duties. These are:
The role of the Chair is more fully discussed in the Chairperson section of this website and briefly mentioned in 'Appointing the Best' but briefly, the Chair is responsible for the board processes. The Chair sets the tone of the board’s practices and in doing so seeks to draw the members into a consensus. This requires skill in meeting process issues, handling difficult situations and/or members, and in leading the strategic direction discussion.
The job or role of a board member can best be described as the need to conform to a number of duties. These are:
- To act in good faith – with honesty and integrity in the best interests of the organisation;
- To avoid a conflict of interest;
- To exercise reasonable care and skill;
- To exercise their powers for a proper purpose;
- Not to make improper use of either your position on the board or information gained in that role;
- To be diligent – attending board meetings, be prepared, ensure proper financial records are kept;
- To not allow the organisation to trade where there is a substantial risk of serious loss for creditors.
The role of the Chair is more fully discussed in the Chairperson section of this website and briefly mentioned in 'Appointing the Best' but briefly, the Chair is responsible for the board processes. The Chair sets the tone of the board’s practices and in doing so seeks to draw the members into a consensus. This requires skill in meeting process issues, handling difficult situations and/or members, and in leading the strategic direction discussion.