Board Membership
There are five places for residents on Wandle's Board of Management.
Resident board members help other members understand residents’ wishes and how Board decisions will affect them. They share responsibility for Board decisions and help other residents understand why decisions have been made. Their role also includes making sure that Wandle consults residents effectively and contributing to Wandle News, the quarterly newsletter for residents.
They are not expected to:
- resolve operational and service delay issues - for example a neighbour's problem about a repair
- campaign or lobby on behalf of residents
- become involved in, or pursue, individual complaints against Wandle (although they may be asked to serve on Wandle's Complaints Panel).
Commitment of Board members
Board members need to attend regular meetings and may be asked to serve on Committees.
The Board of Management is Wandle’s main board. It meets at least four times a year and has two extra meetings to discuss the budget and accounts.
Resident board members are expected to:
- serve on the Board for at least a year
- represent the best interests of residents
- uphold Wandle's values, objectives and policies, its commitment to equal opportunities and the Code of Governance
- prepare for meetings by reading the papers and reports sent with the agenda
- make sure they understand the issues so they can make an informed contribution and vote
- attend the Annual General Meeting in September and any Special General Meetings that may be called
- provide the residents perspective on issues raised
- share responsibility for decisions made
- take part in briefing and training sessions, including the induction programme for new members
Board members receive support and guidance to help them in their role. This includes:
- training for the role - including an induction programme as a new board member and regular briefing sessions on a wide range of issues
- an identified member of staff who will act as their contact at Wandle - to help with queries, including queries about agenda items prior to a meeting.
- guidance and help from existing Board members who will act as a mentor
- support to attend meetings - including expenses for things like childcare, care for other dependents, travelling expenses etc
- support in dealing with problems raised by individual residents
- opportunities to meet staff and shadow staff members to learn about their work
- a good high quality service from Wandle's staff, including assistance, advice and additional information when needed
- agenda papers - in plain English, concise and free of jargon - which are delivered in time for members to prepare adequately for a meeting
- the opportunity to discuss agenda items before the meeting
- insurance, paid for by Wandle, which protects members from any personal liability in their role as a Board member.
