IAP2 Canada is currently seeking volunteers to represent us on the International Board. If you are a member in good standing and have an interest in representing Canada at the international level, please express your interest by emailing Rebecca Smith at rebecca@iap2canada.ca.

Roles & Responsibilities of the Board

The role of the IAP2 International Board is to set the organization’s strategic direction, ensure the delivery of its objectives, and uphold its values.

The responsibilities of the Board include:

• Create, monitor, and ensure alignment with the vision, mission, and values of the organization
• Establish policies, plans, and budgets to advance organizational objectives, and monitor compliance and performance against them
• Ensure adherence to governing laws
• Set and maintain a framework for delegation of authority
• Safeguard the image and good name of the organization
• Promote a collaborative and inclusive Board culture, support Board development, routinely monitor, and annually evaluate Board performance
• Hire, manage, and evaluate the performance of executive staff.

The Board is responsible for governing the organization, and management is responsible for operations. When individual Board members are appropriately involved in operational matters, they do so at the direction of the Board and may work in collaboration with or under the guidance of management.

 

Board Code of Conduct

BOARD ACTIVITY

As a member of the Board, each Director will:

• Understand and support the organization’s purposes as defined in the bylaws and strategic plan
• Function as part of one policy-making body to care for, manage, and control the organization
• Recognize that only the full Board has the authority to bind the organization
• Exercise good judgment, act with integrity, and respect confidentiality
• Use one’s abilities, experience, and influence constructively and be available to the Board as a resource
• Understand and respect the difference between governing and managing
• Abide by all adopted board policies
• Volunteer for, and willingly accept assignments, and complete them thoroughly in a timely fashion.

PREPARATION AND ATTENDANCE

To ensure the effectiveness of Board meetings, each Director will:

• Thoroughly prepare for meetings
• Maintain a regular attendance record at Board meetings
• Make thoughtful and informed decisions.

COMMUNICATION

As communication is fundamental to Board effectiveness, each Director will:

• Participate fully and frankly in the deliberations and discussions of the Board
• Encourage free and open discussion of the affairs of the organization by the Board and its members
• Ask probing questions focused on strategy, policy, and the strategic plan
• Respectfully engage staff in monitoring organizational performance
• Build collegial relationships with other Directors, staff, and volunteers
• Use every opportunity to inform others about the organization;
• Represent the Board and the organization professionally when dealing with the media, the public, or other organizations.

BUSINESS, FEDERATION and INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE

Recognizing that only well-informed Board members can make appropriate decisions, each Director will:

• Be knowledgeable about the organization’s operations and activities
• Understand the role of IAP2 International within the broader public participation community
• Understand the regulatory, legislative, business, social, and political environments within which IAP2 International operates
• Keep informed on the proper duties and functions of a Board member.

All members of the IAP2 International Board shall annually sign a statement acknowledging that they will abide by this Code of Conduct.

 

BOARD COMMITTEES

At present time, there are three main board committees that support initiatives under the Strategic Plan. All Board members are encouraged to participate on a committee. The strategic plan for 2026 and beyond is under development by the Organizational Excellence Committee. The two other committees are Practice Development & Research and Leadership & Advocacy. The time commitment varies based on the remit and activities. The International Board is a “working” board as we operate with a very small staff (< 2 FTE) and the skills and expertise of the board are critical.