This document expands on our bylaws and aligns with usual co-op practice for clarity and guidance; it is not a formal co-op policy.
Liaisons are selected from the Board of Directors according to the directors’ specific skill sets and interests. This selection process typically occurs concurrently with the appointment of officers. Liaisons report to the Board and have no independent decision making powers.
Board Liaison to Management
The Organizational Bylaw specifies in Article 16.2(c) that the Board of Directors can appoint a member as a liaison to act as a bridge between the Board and staff. The specific duties of this liaison are determined by the Board.
Additionally, Article 9.3 outlines the Powers of Individual Directors and Officers, stating that the Board can only act collectively. Individual directors or officers lack authority unless it is explicitly granted by a by-law or an official board decision.
Board and Management Roles
Board Responsibilities: The Board of Directors is responsible for making key decisions that steer the co-op’s direction, ensuring its success as both a business and a community. They set strategic goals and focus on significant policy decisions such as risk management and oversight of operations. The Board also ensures that the management team has the necessary resources and is kept informed about risks and operations.
Management Responsibilities: Management handles the daily operations of the co-op, striving to meet the goals established by both the members and the Board. They implement the Board’s decisions and manage the routine tasks essential for smooth operations.
Role of the Board Liaison to Management
The Board Liaison to Management reports to the Board and is crucial in facilitating communication between the Board of Directors and management. This role promotes teamwork to help achieve the co-operative’s goals and ensures a smooth connection between the Board’s strategic plans and management’s daily operations. By doing so, the liaison supports the co-op’s mission and enhances the well-being of its members. The liaison cannot make decisions independent of the Board.
Key Responsibilities of the Board Liaison to Management
The Board liaison has the following responsibilities outside of, or in between, board meetings:
Communication Facilitation: The liaison is the primary contact for ensuring open lines of communication regarding ongoing issues, updates, and Board directives.
Information Sharing: They ensure important information, such as reports and plans, is effectively communicated between the Board and management.
Support for Strategic Decisions: The liaison helps align management’s daily operations with the Board’s long-term goals, ensuring clarity on objectives.
Conflict Resolution: They may assist in mediating disagreements between management and the Board where necessary.
Coordination of Meetings: They may arrange joint meetings, ensuring that key topics relevant to both groups are included in the agenda.
Committee Liaisons
According to Article 17.2 of the Organizational Bylaw, Board members cannot vote as committee members while serving on the Board unless allowed by a by-law. However, directors can act as a liaison to a committee or join an ad hoc committee reporting to the Board.
Role of a Committee Liaison from the Board of Directors
A Committee Liaison serves as a vital link between the Board of Directors and various committees within the co-operative, enabling effective communication and coordination.
Key Responsibilities of Committee Liaisons
Communication: The liaison helps ensure clear communication between the Board and the committee, making sure information flows easily both ways.
Support: Assisting committee members by clarifying Board expectations and sharing relevant policies and strategic goals.
Reporting: Staying connected with the committee and providing the Board with updates on significant discussions and decisions. The liaison has no decision making function and reports to the Board.
Feedback: Collecting input from the committee and sharing it with the Board, ensuring that committee perspectives are considered in decision-making.
Alignment: Ensuring that the committee’s work aligns with the co-op’s broader goals and the Board’s strategies.
Important Notes
Liaisons are not required to attend committee meetings and do not chair committees; these operate independently. However, committees must adhere to the co-op’s bylaws and policies.
The Board bears ultimate responsibility for the governance and direction of the co-op.
In summary, the Committee Liaison is essential for fostering collaboration, enabling both the Board and committees to work effectively towards the co-operative’s mission and goals.