Board of Directors Overview

Introduction

Board members are responsible for the governance and strategic direction of Kootenay Family Place (KFP), acting in the best interest of the organization and the communities it serves. Key responsibilities include:

• • • • • • Mission & Strategic Oversight: Define, uphold, and periodically review the organization’s mission and goals.
          • Human Resources: Hire, support, and evaluate the Executive Director, and ensure strong HR and succession policies.
          • Financial Stewardship: Approve budgets, oversee financial controls, and ensure responsible resource management.
          • Risk & Legal Compliance: Ensure adherence to laws, bylaws, and ethical standards, with proper risk management practices in place.
          • Organizational Planning: Engage in long-term strategic planning and alignment with mission and services.
          • Board Development: Recruit, orient, and evaluate board members and overall board effectiveness.
          • Performance & Accountability: Monitor organizational performance and ensure transparent reporting to stakeholders.
          • Community Engagement: Act as ambassadors for KFP, represent community interests, and avoid conflicts of interest.
          • Complaints Process: Engage only after internal complaints avenues have been exhausted, following defined policies.

Individual Board Member Expectations:

• • • • • • Attend one monthly meeting (2 hours), serve on committees (minimum one hour per month), and support fundraising.
          • Uphold fiduciary duties: Duty of Care, Loyalty, and Obedience.
          • Act with integrity, competence, and diligence in all decisions.
          • Understand KFP’s mission, operations, and finances.
          • Respect confidentiality, declare conflicts of interest, and sign required agreements.
          • Promote a positive, inclusive, and ethical organizational culture.

Term & Commitment:

• • • • • • Serve two-year terms (up to three consecutive terms; six years max).
          • After six years, a one-year break is required before re-election.
          • Executive members may extend for one additional year for mentorship if needed.
          • Positions are voluntary, with reimbursement only for direct board-related expenses.

Qualifications:

• • • • • • Commitment to KFP’s mission and values.
          • Skills or experience in areas such as governance, finance, HR, or the non-profit sector.
          • Strong interpersonal, collaborative, and leadership qualities.

Board Meetings:

The board meets 8 times a year for regular meetings. Typically, this is the 3rd Monday of the month at 3:00pm for approximately 2.5 hours.

Committees:

Currently, board committees are:

• • • • • • WELLNESS COMMITTEE – meets throughout the year to plan wellness events for staff and board.
          • FINANCE COMMITTEE – meets monthly.
          • FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE – meets throughout the year to plan the KFP Fundraising Gala and Silent Auction that takes place in November of each year.
          • POLICY COMMITTEE – meets every other month to discuss KFP policies.
          • WEBSITE COMMITTEE – meets quarterly to review and update the KFP website.

Annual General Meeting (AGM):

Held once a year in September. Board members are required to attend.