In the context of the principles, “the board” refers to the strategic decision making body at the head of the organisation. The Minister State Security is responsible for the State Security Agency (SSA). Following a discussion at the AGM, our members overwhelmingly voted in favour of the new articles, which introduced new governance structures to the organisation.The board started to see the benefits of adopting the new articles straight away. This public document helps to make sure the organisation complies with the current legal and regulatory requirements and puts certain restrictions on the company’s powers, including the responsibilities and powers of directors and the powers of members. For example, if the organisation’s funding is cut. The way boards behave when implementing those actions and carrying out their duties is of equal importance. A: There have been individuals on the board for and against us competing in Tokyo 2020; however, this debate is healthy within a board environment as it means individuals are passionate about their role. The DBE will lead an integrated ECD function in collaboration with the Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Department of Health (DoH).The Minister of Communications is responsible for the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT). As well as contributing to the effective performance of the organisation, integrity is key to protecting the reputation and legitimacy of the organisation.The board leads by example, setting out and maintaining clear ethical standards for the organisation and welcoming the opportunity to be transparent in order to demonstrate the organisation’s ethical values. Typically, the CEO is a director of the organisation but this is not a legal requirement. If directors are unaware or unsure of the information presented to them, then they must seek clarification or additional information to make an informed decision. The board must stick to strategic discussion and set a structure for the management of staff and volunteers to deliver on operational matters.The board and the workforce must be recruited for the skills their organisation needs. Organisations will be encouraged to act with propriety, and stakeholders will feel valued. In 2016,further improvements were made to the ‘contracts’that directors sign as they take up their position.The new process has produced independent directors who have been of immense value to British Orienteering, and brought new skills to board meetings, while also demonstrating the same level of commitment to the organisation as elected directors. Your governing document will dictate the name given to your board, and the principles set out here will apply whichever name is adopted. The board should ensure provision is made for management and staff development for both paid staff and volunteers.
We continued to revise the articles of association over the following month before working with external lawyers to ensure the new governance structures and governing document were legally compliant.
The role of the chair is primarily to guide the board in its task of setting and helping to implement the company’s strategic policies. A risk register can only work if important risks are identified and mitigation plans exist.
Later in the document, you’ll also find case studies from organisations across the sport and recreation sector, discussing how The Principles were implemented in practice. Without proper communication channels, members and stakeholders’ hands are tied. We use the same definition of independence published in A person is independent if they are free from any close connection to the organisation and if, from the perspective of an objective outsider, they would be viewed as independent. Our Vision “A nation swimming”is supported by our Mission ‘To create a happier,healthier and more successful nation through swimming.’The current governance structure is made up of two boards of equal status, one with responsibility for swimming as an activity (Group Board) and the other with responsibility for swimming as a sport (Sport Governing Board.) In addition to having all the duties of a director, the chair is responsible for managing the board and, as the name suggests, chairing board meetings.We’ve used the phrase chief executive throughout The Principles to refer to the senior executive officer or staff member. A key part of long term planning is risk management. This can be achieved by appointing athlete representatives to boards, setting up an athlete commission or holding regular focus groups with athletes in the performance system. Because of this, they take on specific duties to the person or people on whose behalf they are working. In the clear majority of organisations, the AGM is the forum for members to elect directors and approve or reject proposed changes to the governing document.Independent directors can help contribute to the objectivity of a board, as well as bringing in new skills. Smaller boards need to work to get the independence balance right for their organisation and where there are fewer independent members, a regular review of board appointments is recommended.Board renewal is important to make sure there is always an independent perspective and a flow of new ideas.