Committee of Management

Committee of Management Authority
The Committee of Management is the legal authority of WISHIN.  Committee of Management members represents the interests of members and is entrusted with responsibility for securing the continued well being and growth of the organisation. The Committee of Management has an overriding responsibility to ensure that WISHIN is appropriately managed for the benefit of all stakeholders. All Committee of Management members offer their services to the organisation on a voluntary basis. The Committee of Management is responsible for directing and monitoring financial viability and operational performance of WISHIN through a formally established and endorsed strategic and policy framework.

The Committee is required to govern according to:
  • The laws relating to it as a legal entity and laws relating to the purpose for which WISHIN has been established.
  • Relevant Commonwealth and State laws ie. Taxation, Superannuation, WorkCover, industrial relations, Occupational Health and Safety, the Environment, Disability Discrimination Act.
  • Terms and conditions of contractual and service agreements
  • Best interests of the organisation, acting in good faith. This is a legal obligation.

 

1.7.1 Roles and Responsibilities of C.O.M.

Committee of Management Role
The role of the Committee of Management is governance, focusing on the broader issues of organisational purpose, including the setting and monitoring of strategic direction and the establishment and monitoring of Committee of Management-level policies. Policy-making, review and monitoring are prime functions of the Committee of Management.

Management is the responsibility of the Executive Officer and staff. The Committee of Management sets out the policy boundaries within which management carries out its day-to-day and long-term functions. Policy boundaries are designed to facilitate a creative rather than restrictive environment within which management and staff can work to achieve WISHIN�s goals.

The model of governance employed by WISHIN is flexible and balances the active interest and extensive knowledge and expertise in service delivery issues of Committee of Management members with respect for the necessity for the Executive Officer and staff to have autonomy and authority in day to day and operational matters. Committee of Management members may be invited to contribute their expertise in operational matters at the invitation of the Executive Officer, or as deemed necessary by the Committee of Management.

Committee of Management Level Policy
In order to fulfill its governing role of providing a framework for the organisation�s operation, yet at the same time maintaining its distance from the operational processes, the Committee of Management will develop and monitor Committee of Management-level policies. These policies provide direction and boundaries for both its own and the Executive Officers functions.  The Committee of Management will develop the following Committee of Management-level policies:

  • Strategic direction and framework - encompassing the vision, values, the business plan, the constitution and by-laws and the overall operational structures established to achieve the mission and other long-term goals.
  • As an elected member of a COM each member will be held legally liable
  • A COM member must support the majority decision of the committee
  • It is the responsibility of all COM members to disclose potential conflicts of interest as soon as they arise.
  • This includes financial, political or personal benefit.
  • Governing process - describing the way the Committee of Management carries out its governing role includes:
  1. how policy is made and reviewed,
  2. when and how committee meetings are held,
  3. how members come and go from the committee,
  4. use of committees and processes,
  5. how the committee expresses its accountability to stakeholders,
  6. how the committee ensures propriety
It is expected that a WISHIN COM member will
  • be committed to working within a gender specific organisation in a management style consistent with WISHIN's feminist philosophy.
  • have an understanding of social and political issues as they affect women and their children, including a knowledge or interest in relevant local services and networks
  • have links with the Moreland or Darebin areas
  • be available to attend a monthly Committee of Management (General) meeting and a minimum of 9 General meetings annually, the Annual General Meeting and an Annual Planning Session(s).
  • be available for other meetings, training and information sessions as appropriate.
  • possess general financial, administration and community development skills. This is desirable but not essential.
  •  participate in informed and prepared debate and decision-making by reading and   questioning circulated papers mailed out prior to meeting times.
  •  be encouraged to access the Executive Officer at any time to include additional agenda items or to clarify general questions. Other members may also be available for mentoring purposes.
  • make apologies to the Executive Officer as soon as possible and prior to meeting times.
  • rotate the role of monthly cheque signatory
WISHIN provides childcare and travel allowances for Committee members to be able to attend meetings and includes a light meal.

WISHIN can also provide training opportunities for Committee of Management members, including specific Management Committee training and strategic and community development sessions.
            The WISHIN COM is responsible for:
  • Overseeing the management of WISHIN's finances and other resources in compliance with WISHIN principles and aims, Funding and Service Agreements and other legal requirements as necessary as an Incorporate Association and employer.
  • Overseeing the development and implementation of a Strategic plan including a framework to ensure effective planning, delivery and evaluation of WISHIN's aims and objectives
  • Managing the employment of the Executive Officer.
  • Establishing, and strengthening networks in conjunction with staff that support the aims of WISHIN.
  • Actively participating in the regular review of all WISHIN�s policies.
  • Promoting a broader membership base for WISHIN

1.72 Committee of Management Composition

  • A minimum of 7 and a maximum of 11 members.
  • Four (4) members shall be elected as officer bearers (Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Public Officer)
  • A Staff member as an elected representative who may join the COM on all matters and decisions, however with industrial matters the staff member is ineligible to vote.
  • WISHIN COM may also from time to time appoint a maximum of 3 ex-officio members to the COM for a specified period. The ex-officio member shall not have a vote and cannot be counted when determining a quorum.