BCVTA BOARD OF DIRECTOR AND COMMITTEE MEMBER CODE OF CONDUCT FORM
The BCVTA Board is committed to effective decision-making and, once a decision has been made, speaking with one voice. To this end, volunteers of the organization will:
- Reflect their understanding of member interests.
- Represent one’s own view as an individual view (“my own thinking on this is that…”).
- Endeavor to build on others ideas or offer alternative points of view as options to be considered and invite others to do so too.
- Refrain from trying to influence other board or committee members outside of meetings that might have the effect of creating factions and limiting free and open discussion.
- On important issues, be balanced in one’s effort to understand other members and to make oneself understood.
- Support and defend board decisions, even if one's own view is not in agreement.
- Not disclose or discuss differences of opinion on the board outside of board meetings, especially with staff or members.
- Respect the confidentiality of all information discussed or provided during meetings.
- Refrain from speaking for the organization unless authorized to do so by the BoD.
- Disclose one’s involvement with other organizations, businesses or individuals where such a relationship might be viewed or perceived as a conflict of interest.
- Refrain from giving direction to the executive director or any member of staff.
- Act in a professional manner at all times while representing the BCVTA.
Accountability
The Board of Directors is collectively accountable to the member Association. The BOD is accountable for the BCVTA’s performance in relation to its mission and strategic objectives.
The BoD may delegate any of its powers to committees to carry out the work of the Board, or to complete specific tasks or projects. Committees will conform to any rules that may be imposed by the BoD and are accountable to the board at all times.
Authority
Individual board and committee members have no authority to approve actions by the BCVTA, to direct staff, or to speak on behalf of the BCVTA unless given such authority by the board in advance of the action.
Responsibility
Board and committee members are responsible for acting in the best interests of the organization and are expected to make informed decisions.
Principle Duties
Every director or committee member is expected to:
- Attend and actively participate in all meetings
- Prepare and submit timely reports as requested by the Executive Director or the Board
- Participate in the hiring, evaluation, and releasing of the Executive Director as needed
- Identify prospective board and committee members and assist in recruitment
- Participate in an annual self-evaluation
- Attend and participate in the Annual General Meeting
- Participate in the approval of the annual budget and monitor the financial performance of the BCVTA if asked by the Treasurer
- Participate in the review of the BCVTA’s strategic plan on a regular basis and monitor progress on goals
- Listen to others’ views, advocate their own, identify common interests and alternatives, and be open to compromise
- Support governance decisions
- Keep informed about community issues relevant to the mission, vision and objectives of the BCVTA
- Be an ambassador for the BCVTA – ensure one's involvement is known within their own network of friends and contacts.
Qualifications
The following are considered key volunteer job qualifications:
- Demonstrate enthusiasm for the profession and the growth of the BCVTA
- Display commitment to the organization's mission, vision and strategic directions
- Display commitment to attend meetings and events as required to be effective in their position.
- Assist at conferences, events, and strategic planning meetings
- Demonstrate an interest in learning and developing volunteer skills
- Possess reliable access to high speed internet
Evaluation
The performance of individual directors is evaluated annually in addition to the evaluation of the whole board and is based on the carrying out of duties and responsibilities as outlined above.
Removal of a Board Member
A director or committee member may be removed from the board for not performing his/her duties, including missing several consecutive meetings.
The code of conduct establishes and promotes the highest standards of conduct for the direction, management and administration of the affairs of the BCVTA by members of the Board of Directors, Committees, Task Forces and representatives, volunteers and staff. The following principles and standards will be adopted by the leaders, volunteers, and staff of the BCVTA:
1.Loyalty and Commitment
Maintain loyalty to the BCVTA and pursue its programs and activities in ways that are consistent with its interests and advance its mission.
2.Legality
Uphold the laws and regulations of Canada and use only legal and ethical means in all BCVTA activities.
3.Integrity
Serve the BCVTA and its members with fairness, integrity and impartiality and promote the collective good of the veterinary profession and not just one's own field of practice.
4.Confidentiality
Maintain the confidentiality of privileged information.
5.Interpersonal Relationships
Foster an environment where the interaction with and among colleagues, members, and staff is conducted with respect, dignity, and professionalism and without any form of discrimination or harassment.
6.Conflict of Interests
Undertake all of the activities of the BCVTA for the collective good of the association and its members without consideration for personal gain. Declare any actual, potential, or apparent conflict of interests without allowing outside interests to jeopardize one’s professional integrity or independence.
