WOS Volunteer Development Newsletters

Membership Newsletter Index

Club Board of Directors' Code of Conduct *

I, _________________________________, recognizing the important responsibility I am undertaking in serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the _____________________________ Skating Club, agree to carry out in a trustworthy and diligent manner the duties and obligations of my role as a member of the board.

I acknowledge that my primary roles as a board member are:

1. To contribute to defining the organization’s mission and governing the fulfillment of that mission and
2. To carry out the functions of the office of Board Member and or Officer as stated in the Club’s Job Descriptions and by-laws.

I will exercise the duties and responsibilities of this office with integrity, collegiality and care. I agree to abide by the ______________________ Skating Club’s Code of Ethics and Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Policies.

I will educate myself on:

• the club’s history, goals, staff, current situation, problems and needs
• national, provincial and local trends that affect the association and our members
• the roles and responsibilities of the board as a whole and my individual role

I will:

• demonstrate that my participation is a high priority by attending all meetings of the board and the committees on which I serve
• discuss the issues and business addressed at scheduled meetings, having read the agenda and all background material relevant to the topics to be discussed
• express my opinions. I will be flexible and open to compromise
• work with and respect the opinions of my peers who serve on this board and leave my personal prejudices out of all board discussions
• support in a positive manner all actions taken by the Board of Directors even when I am a minority position on such actions
• treat the board room table as a safe place, both for myself and for other members
• be respectful of others, trusting and trustful and will communicate openly
• treat discussions and decisions made within the boardroom as confidential
• focus on the discussion at hand
• represent the interests of the members of the Club as they are its owners
• represent the Club in a positive and supportive manner at all times and in all places
• speak not as an individual but as a representative of the Club
• observe the parliamentary procedures and display courteous conduct in all board and committee meetings

I will:

• make sure that the board does its job of governance
• make sure that I understand my legal obligations and make sure they are upheld
• understand the difference between the roles of the board and the staff
• not attempt to do the staff’s job nor let the staff do mine
• actively support the Executive by providing overall direction, resources and realistic time frames to achieve the identified vision and ends of the Club
• not take personal responsibility for something within my own area of expertise. Rather I will educate board members to take that responsibility collectively in making board decisions
• keep the vision and the larger picture in mind. Not concentrate on smaller matters
• be prepared to deal with matters that are not easily solvable
• concentrate on the substance of a decision, not the form. A Motion book is form. Having Motions that move the Club forward is substance
• concentrate on ends and means

I agree to serve on at least one committee or task force, attend all meetings and participate in the accomplishments of our means. If I chair the Board, a committee or a task force, I will:

• call meetings as necessary
• work to define the objectives of the committee. If none can be found then I will recommend that the committee be dissolved
• conduct the meetings in an orderly, fair, open and efficient manner

I agree to participate in:

• strategic planning and orientation sessions
• board development workshops, seminars and other educational events that enhance my skills as a board member
• the Club’s annual meeting and other special events

If unable to perform my duties for any reason, I agree to resign my position as a ______________________ SC board member.

* With the permission of and special Thanks to the Brant Figure Skating Club, October 2002