POLICY FOR CO-OPTION OF SOCIETY BOARD MEMBERS
Attention is drawn to Rules of The Society, especially Rules 52 + 53, which indicate that: -
“With effect from the Society’s first general meeting, the Society Board is to have not less than 12 and not more than 15 members. 9 of these members will be elected by the members in accordance with such arrangements as shall be determined by the Society Board.
Not less than 3 will be co-opted by the elected members of the Society Board.
Elected members serve 3 years on the Board”.
The Society Board has determined that: -
Co-opted members will only serve for 1 year but may be re-appointed for a further period subject to the Rules.
The reason behind co-opted members only serving for a period of 1 year is to make sure the Society Board maintains the balance of skills and experience it needs to operate effectively. It is imperative that the elected members review the make-up of the Board and address any shortfalls which appear to exist on an annual basis. As well as addressing the skills balance, consideration needs to be taken to ensure the interests of the community served by the Society are adequately represented and the level of representation of different groups on the Society Board strikes an appropriate balance having regard to their legitimate interest in the Society’s affairs. A suggested (but not exhaustive) list of people who may be co-opted is to be found in the Rule 53. (1).
Members who wish to be co-opted shall put their names forward to the Secretary for consideration. The criteria listed under Rule 58 must not apply to any candidate.
At a time to be determined by the Society Secretary after the AGM, the elected members will meet to discuss the candidates who have applied to be considered for co-option. If the candidates have not served on the Board previously, they will be invited by the Secretary to meet with a small interview committee of elected members.
Following the interviews, the members of the committee shall report back to the elected members with their recommendations. A vote will be then be held by the elected members to determine which applicant/s should be invited to become co-opted members of the Society Board. Successful candidates will be notified by the Secretary and formally invited to join the Board. Unsuccessful candidates will be also be notified by the Secretary.
Co-opted Society Board members are subject to the Society Rules and will have to sign the Conduct of Board DirectorsPolicy (1).
