FFLDS Governance Advisory Board
1. The FFLDS Governance Advisory Board was established in Jan 2024 to provide opportunities for participants to contribute to the governance of the organisation and have input into the development of organisational policy and processes relevant to the provision of supports and the protection of participant rights.
2. The Governance Advisory Board main responsibilities are to:
a. Discuss/Develop/Monitor the implementation of organisational policy and processes relevant to the provision of supports and the protection of participant rights.
b. Promote the inclusion of people with disability in the community and promote community awareness of matters concerning the interests of people with disability and their families
c. Consult with similar councils and bodies, and people with disability
d. Conduct research about matters relating to people with disability
3. The documents required to establish an Inclusive Governance Advisory Board consisting of individuals with disabilities.
a. Terms of Reference: This document should clearly define the purpose of the advisory board, its composition, and the process for selecting members. It should outline the responsibilities of the board, including attending regular meetings, providing input on governance matters, and making recommendations to the organisation's leadership.
b. Nomination Form: The nomination form should collect essential information about the nominee, such as their name, contact details, and a brief summary of their background and experience. It should also include specific questions related to the nominee's understanding of governance, their perspectives on disability issues, and their commitment to advocacy.
c. Selection Criteria: This document should specify the desired qualifications, skills, and experience for board members. It may include criteria such as lived experience with a disability, familiarity with the organisation's mission and values, prior involvement in disability advocacy, and relevant knowledge in governance practices.
d. Code of Conduct: The code of conduct should outline the expected behaviours of board members, emphasising professionalism, integrity, and respect. It should include guidelines on ethical decision-making, confidentiality, and avoiding conflicts of interest. The document should also detail the consequences of breaching the code of conduct.
4. The Advisory board consists of the following members:
a. Chairperson: This role should be filled by a company representative. The chairperson will be responsible for leading the committee, setting the agenda, and ensuring that the committee’s objectives are met.
b. Vice-Chairperson: This role should be filled by a disability participant. The vice-chairperson will support the chairperson and take over their duties in their absence.
c. Secretary: This role should be filled by a company representative. The secretary will be responsible for taking minutes of the meetings, maintaining records, and ensuring that the committee’s activities are documented.
d. Treasurer: This role should be filled by a disability participant. The treasurer will be responsible for managing the committee’s finances relating to any topics and implementations, activities and projects being covered, including preparing budgets, monitoring expenses, and reporting on financial matters.
e. Member: This role should be filled by a disability participant. The member will provide input on governance matters, make recommendations to the organisation’s leadership, and attend regular meetings.
f. Member: This role should be filled by a disability participant. The member will provide input on governance matters, make recommendations to the organisation’s leadership, and attend regular meetings.
g. Member: This role should be filled by a company representative. The member will provide input on governance matters, make recommendations to the organisation’s leadership, and attend regular meetings.
5. Topics for the advisory board to explore:
- Market trends and competitive landscape: Discuss the latest market trends and how the company can stay competitive in the industry.
- Product development and innovation: Brainstorm new product ideas and strategies for improving existing offerings.
- Marketing and branding strategies: Explore ways to enhance the company's brand image and develop effective marketing campaigns.
- Customer feedback and satisfaction: Review customer feedback and discuss strategies for improving customer satisfaction and retention.
- Sales and distribution channels: Evaluate different sales and distribution channels to maximise reach and sales potential.
- Operational efficiency and cost optimization: Identify areas for improving operational efficiency and reducing costs without compromising quality.
- Business expansion and growth opportunities: Identify potential opportunities for business expansion, such as entering new markets or forming strategic partnerships.
- Talent acquisition and development: Discuss strategies for attracting and retaining top talent, as well as developing existing employees.
- Risk management and cybersecurity: Address potential risks to the company's success, including cybersecurity threats, and discuss strategies for mitigation.
- Corporate social responsibility and sustainability: Discuss ways the company can contribute to society and maintain environmentally friendly practices.
- Financial planning and budgeting: Review financial performance and create strategies for effective budgeting and resource allocation.
- Industry regulations and compliance: Stay updated on industry regulations and discuss strategies for ensuring the company remains compliant.
6. Terms of Reference
Purpose
The purpose of the advisory board is to provide advice and guidance to the organisation on matters related to disability inclusion.
Composition
The board will be composed of seven members, including a chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, treasurer, and three members.
Selection
Process The process for selecting members will involve an application and interview process, with the final decision being made by the organisation’s leadership.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the board will include attending regular meetings, providing input on governance matters, and making recommendations to the organisation’s leadership.
Process for Selecting Members
The process for selecting members will involve an application and interview process, with the final decision being made by the organisation’s leadership.
Process for Removing Members
Members may be removed from the board if they fail to attend meetings or if they breach the code of conduct.
7. Advisory Board Nomination Form (Below form)
8. Selection Criteria
- Qualifications
- Lived experience with a disability
- Familiarity with the organisation’s mission and values
- Prior involvement in disability advocacy (Preferred)
- Relevant knowledge in governance practices (Preferred)
- Skills
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively
- Strategic thinking
- Analytical skills
- Experience
- Experience working with people with disabilities
- Experience in a governance role (Preferred)
- Experience in a leadership role (Preferred)
9. Code of Conduct
Introduction
The purpose of this code of conduct is to outline the expected behaviours of board members and to ensure that the board operates in a professional and ethical manner.
Professionalism
Board members are expected to act in a professional manner at all times. This includes being punctual, prepared, and respectful of other members.
Integrity
Board members are expected to act with integrity at all times. This includes being honest, transparent, and accountable for their actions.
Respect
Board members are expected to treat other members with respect at all times. This includes being open-minded, listening to others, and valuing diversity.
Ethical
Decision-Making Board members are expected to make decisions in an ethical manner. This includes considering the impact of their decisions on all stakeholders and avoiding conflicts of interest.
Confidentiality
Board members are expected to maintain confidentiality at all times. This includes respecting the privacy of other members and not disclosing confidential information.
Consequences of Breaching the Code of Conduct
Breaching the code of conduct may result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the advisory board.