In this part, we continue to discuss issues of membership of governing body vis decision making…

Regarding Committees of a governing body and their terms of reference, same will provide guidance and direction in terms of the functions of the Committees and how they relate to the Board of Governors in its entirety. This in turn will inform how implementation of decisions by Management is undertaken.

Where the terms of reference provide for the Committee to make recommendations to the Board on certain matters, implementation cannot take place before consideration and approval of the Board as a whole. However, in the case where the Board delegates authority to a committee to make a final decision on a matter, the Board will regularly be informed of the same for noting.

 In the scheme of things, Committees of the Board may collaborate with each other on certain issues with a view to optimally discharging their responsibilities. The cautionary note on this aspect is that Committees should avoid usurping the authority of their counterpart Committees. The decisions still lie with the authorized Committee.

To the meeting administrators, my humble advice is that we make it our business to understand the decision-making structures and position ourselves as gatekeepers in that regard.

I hope that thought has been stimulated for colleagues to comment!

 Let’s share!