Volunteering to serve on the Ottawa Humane Society Board of Directors: Is it for me?
What is the board of directors?
The board of directors is the governance body of the Ottawa Humane Society. On behalf of the community, and representing the members of the OHS, it provides the strategic direction, resources, and high-level oversight for the organization to be successful in achieving its mission and goals.
Who serves on the OHS board?
Board members come from all walks of life. They share a commitment to the OHS and the animals in our care and have skills that are required by the board. The Board is composed of at least one veterinarian, one accountant and one lawyer. In addition, candidates are sought with board and/or volunteer experience at charitable/not-for-profit organizations; and expertise in: vision setting; management/strategic planning; performance management; communications/marketing/public relations; fundraising and lobbying; human resources; and/or, working with municipal government.
Other characteristics include:
Age: By law, board members must be at least eighteen years of age.
Education: Formal education is not a requirement for all Board positions, though it is desirable to have certain professionals on the Board to ensure an appropriate mix of perspectives at the table. Many candidates may posses a combination of work and personal experience that provides them with the necessary knowledge and understanding of the financial, administrative, ethical and policy issues that may be put to the board.
Knowledge/Awareness: Candidates should possess an interest in animal welfare and should understand the need to demonstrate a public image that is in keeping with the philosophies and goals of the OHS.
Personal Suitability: It is desirable to have Board members who are willing and have confidence to challenge proposed policies, activities, etc. of the organization. However the ability to challenge must be tempered with recognition of the need to work in a cooperative and collegial manner and demonstrate a style that values consensus and unity.
Financial Commitment: All board members are expected to make a significant personal financial commitment to the OHS.
What is expected of me as a board member?
The board of directors usually meets once per month, in the evening, for about two hours, at the OHS. Reports, background materials, and other information are sent to board members several days before the meeting, and board members are expected to have read the materials and have their questions and comments prepared.
The main responsibilities of the OHS boards, like all boards, are:
- Determine the OHS mission and purpose;
- Select the executive director when necessary;
- Provide financial oversight;
- Ensure adequate funding;
- Ensure legal and ethical integrity and maintain accountability;
- Ensure effective organizational planning;
- Recruit and orient new board members and assess board performance;
- Enhance the organization's public standing;
- Determine, monitor, and strengthen the organization's programs and services;
- Support the executive director and assess his or her performance.
Since discussions may involve confidential or sensitive issues, board members are asked to sign a Confidentiality Agreement and an agreement to adhere to the OHS Ethics Policy.
Board members are expected to attend most, if not all, major OHS events.
In addition to the monthly meeting and periodic events, board members are expected to serve on at least one committee that meets once a month and where there are usually assigned specific tasks to be completed individually or working in collaboration with other committee members.
What are the board committees?
Much of the up-front, hands-on work that occurs prior to any issue coming to the Board is done through the work of board committees. The committees take the time to research issues, identify and evaluate options, and make recommendations. The board depends on committees to present succinct information and recommendations upon which it can base decisions at its monthly meetings.
The bylaws of the OHS provide for three committees: the executive committee, the finance committee and the nominating committee.
The executive committee is comprised of the officers of the OHS: the president, 1st and 2nd vice-presidents, treasurer, secretary and a member-at-large from the board, in addition to the executive director. Its duties and responsibilities are set out in the bylaws, but essentially this committee provides more detailed oversight of the OHS operations. The executive committee is open to board members elected to executive positions only.
The finance committee also has duties that are set out in the bylaws. In addition to its regular duties, however, the finance committee may also take on other projects such as establishing policies and procedures about important financial matters.
The nominating committee recruits and screens potential new Board members. Under the bylaws, the nominating committee is composed of at least three board members and may also include up to two people from outside the board.
The board is authorized under the OHS bylaws to establish other committees depending on its priorities for the OHS.
It has been policy within the OHS to have an advocacy committee, which recommends OHS positions on animal welfare issues, researches emerging issues in animal welfare and is a resource for the executive director when new issues arise.
Currently the board has established a strategic planning committee, which is charged with overseeing development and implementation of the OHS Strategic Plan and a governance committee, which develops and reviews the board's policies governing itself.
How do I become an OHS board member?
A key factor in volunteering is getting the right fit between the volunteer and the job. To make sure we do a thorough job in matching you with what you would find the most rewarding, we use the following process:
- First, you need to contact the executive director or manager of volunteers, using the contact information below;
- Second, you will be asked to complete an application form and to provide your C.V.;
- Third, the chair of the nominations committee will arrange for your interview with that committee;
- Fourth, if selected, the nominations committee will present you as a part of the slate for the board at the OHS Annual General Meeting in June;*
- Before the first full board meeting, you will be asked to participate in an orientation to the OHS and your responsibilities as a board member, along with other new board members.
* You may not have to wait until June. From time to time, board members resign before their term is up. In this case, the board may replace the member mid-term.
Remind me of what's in it for me!
There are many rewards from serving on the board of directors:
- Sharing with a team in the accomplishment of doing something important for the OHS and Ottawa's animals;
- Using your skills in new ways, addressing very interesting issues;
- Learning more about the Ottawa Humane Society and how it operates;
- Meeting people who share your interests;
- Developing new skills;
- Developing your volunteer knowledge and skills – in the future, you may want to help other charities, too;
- Being associated with an organization that has been helping your community since 1888.
If you would like more information about what is entailed in being a member of the board, please contact:
Executive Director
Ottawa Humane Society
613-725-3166, ext. 232
brucer@ottawahumane.ca
You can also contact the OHS Manager of Volunteers to learn more about other volunteer opportunities:
Manager of Volunteers
Ottawa Humane Society
613-725-3166 ext. 231
erinr@ottawahumane.ca
