In Principle
Commissioner's comment
Boards and committees are important to government. When I was running the Disability Services Commission (DSC), our Board helped us to remain in touch with people with disabilities, their families and carers. Barry MacKinnon, who was chair of the DSC Board at that time, was a strong supporter of linking the work of government with the community. His leadership of the DSC Board was essential in keeping the disability community in touch with government.
But while being on a board is rewarding, it also carries its challenges. Being a board member can be difficult, and especially so where people are new to a board or committee.
"It is important that board members understand that their role is not to run the organisation, but to assist in setting and monitoring the strategic direction of the organisation," Barry said to me recently.
"It is equally important that each board member brings to the board their particular knowledge and skills, but without any personal or organisational conflict issues clouding that input," he said.
Recently, we put together some information to help Boards and Committees write their own codes of conduct. When we consulted with board and committee members, however, many people told us that a sample code of conduct would be more helpful. The result is a Conduct Guide which contains both a sample code of conduct, and some suggestions for those boards and committees that wish to develop their own.
We have mailed our Conduct Guide for Boards and Committees to a wide range of boards. If you haven't received a copy and would like one, please contact us on (08) 9260 6600, or download the guide and supporting materials from our website.
All the best,
Ruth Shean