2009 Annual General Meeting

6th AGM of the Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.

4:45pm Tuesday, 27 October 2009
National Library of Australia
Parkes Place, Canberra

Guide to Board skills

The Board of the Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences this year considered the skills and experience needed to give the strategic direction and effective governance required by the CHASS member organisations. It sees good governance as one of the drivers of strong performance in achieving greater recognition and resources for HASS.

Building a strong board with accountability to members was a goal for 2009 alongside the new strategic plan, an upgrade of financial management and the constitution, and expanded use of emerging communications technologies to build an active network of members and supporters.

The skills review was built on achieving a balance of specialist HASS knowledge to guide the Board, and more general governance skills in setting strategic directions and evaluating progress in achieving the Council's goals. The Board reviewed its own skills mix, and looked at some models in policy advocacy and the arts, particularly in boards using governance standards set for non-profit companies (companies limited by guarantee).

The Board agreed that all its members should have high levels of skill, knowledge or experience in the areas listed below in bold type. The Board agreed at least one member should also have a high level of skill or experience in the other listed areas, and that some others should have at least some level of capacity in these areas.

  • Strategic thinking ability
  • Knowledge of political processes and some experience in political advocacy
  • Knowledge and experience in one or more of the HASS sectors - humanities, creative arts or social sciences including knowledge of research, teaching or creative practice policy
  • Governance practice and knowledge
  • Ability to articulate CHASS's role in a competitive policy environment
  • Excellent networks and networking skills
  • Public Media Relations skills, knowledge and experience
  • Financial management skills
  • Policy analysis skills
  • Community relations experience
  • Experience of business management
  • Marketing experience
  • Risk Management knowledge and experience
  • Fund Raising skills
  • HR/Change Management skills and experience
  • Legal skills
  • Expertise in social science methodologies - especially quantitative
  • Experience in senior management of an education, training or research organisation
  • Experience in direct policy making at government level

Skills Review for Board appointment

At the 2009 AGM five current members of the Board will be standing for reelection. With a total of nine positions on the CHASS committee to be appointed at the meeting, there is an opportunity for members to build on the results of the Skill Review and use them in the board appointments for 2009-2012.

The nomination form for the Board positions asks candidates (who must be nominated by a member organisation) to submit a 300 word bio and list of relevant skills and experience. The outgoing Board urges member organisations and their nominees to include their relevant skills and experience in the listed areas.

The Board is particularly keen to identify at least some new Board members with skills in financial management, knowledge of political processes and political advocacy. We also try to obtain a board that is broadly representative across the humanities, social sciences, creative and performing arts and collecting organisations. Currently the Board is well represented in Higher Education and would particularly welcome nominees with knowledge of/experience in vocational education, and those with a practice background especially in collecting organisations. Member organisations are urged to consider the mix of candidates and skills so that we will have an effective team leading the Council as it implements the Strategic Plan to 2012.

The current Board members would be pleased to discuss the skills list with members and potential new Board members. The President will also directly contact several people active in the CHASS network with high levels of the knowledge and experience required to see whether they would be willing to join the Board.

Nominations are due by October 20 at the Council's secretariat or contact Membership Manager Fiona Sivyer membership [at] chass.org.au, 02 6201 5996.

Linda Rosenman
President
22 September

Forms for download:

 

For more information, please contact

Helen O'Neil
Executive Director
Phone: (02) 6201 2740
Email: director [at] chass.org.au

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