Call for volunteers

Chairs of BIFM Audit and Governance Committees

Dear Members,

Through the ongoing work being carried out by the Senior Volunteer Engagement Working Group; the Board has agreed to move forward with the proposal to create two main Board positions for a Chair of Audit and a Chair of Governance as ‘Non-Executive Board Directors’.

See below for details of the two chairs’ general roles and responsibilities plus outline terms of reference for each position

This is a great opportunity to guide the Board and the Institute in the short to medium future as part of our ongoing professionalisation. If you feel that you can offer your time, experience and expertise to our members through one of these positions then please write to the SVE Working Group at the email address below; stating the role you would like to be considered for.

Also, please attach a short CV of your current role and responsibilities covering your experience for the position you are most interested in being considered for. The SVE Working Group which includes senior volunteers and staff will review all applications and interview the shortlisted applicants.

Closing date: 28th September 2009

email address: sharon.mckenzie@bifm.org.uk

Thank you,

Fred Child

Chair SVE Working Group

Chairman’s role and responsibilities

Purpose:

To provide the Board with objective views of the status of the Institute’s risk profile, monitoring of operational processes and internal controls to ensure that overall good practice in Governance and Audit practices is performed from the Board down throughout the Institute.

Commitment:

A time commitment that covers approximately six Board meetings a year plus Committee meetings. Assistance to the Board in maintaining Governance and Audit good practice at the highest level and playing an active role in supporting other working groups through Board duties from time to time.

To act as a member of the Board and attend meetings as may be required to fulfil duties and responsibilities. To ensure the committee works with the Executive to achieve its purpose and supports implementation of the recommendations set by the Board.

Skills & Competencies:

i) Demonstrate the following attributes as a ‘Non-Executive Director:

The ability to understand issues and to identify the central points requiring boardroom decisions.
Sound judgement
Ability to challenge in a constructive way
Ability to influence through clear communication and persuasion
Good interpersonal skills and ability to manage conflict
Offer financial and commercial skills sufficient to ensure understanding of the Institute’s progress against predetermined goals

ii) Demonstrate experience in the field of Governance or Audit (relative to Chair position)

iii) Chairmanship of the Committee offering guidance and resolution management.

iv) To lead the establishment of a work programme to inform the Board in fulfilment of its purpose and as the Board may direct.

v) To serve on any Appeal Panel as directed by the Board.

vi) Act as a responsible director in accordance with the Institute of Directors “Code of Professional Conduct”.

Accountability:

To the Board and Stakeholders

Outline terms of reference

Governance Committee

To recommend the membership of the committee.
To draw up in agreement with the Board and Executive full Terms of Reference.
To provide the BIFM board with assurance and independent judgement that the Institute is being run at the appropriate and manageable risk levels.
Offer guidance to the Board in line with its constitution, law and agreed strategy maintaining the integrity of service to the membership.
Perform duties as a detached and independent group reporting directly to the Board.
Maintain and advise the appropriate risk factors.

Audit Committee

To recommend the membership of the committee.
To draw up in agreement with the Board and Executive full Terms of Reference.
Work with the Executive at all times ensuring the audit programme is communicated and agreed to at all times.
To monitor and audit the execution of Board policies as appropriate.
To monitor financial reporting and auditing process but not involved in the day to day running of the Institute.
To monitor challenge and review the Institute’s operations at all levels of the organisation as directed by the board.