Delegation
Responsibility for decision-making in certain domains can be delegated by the board. When responsibilities are delegated on a permanent basis, this is to a subgroup. When responsibilities are delegated on a time-limited basis, this is to a working group. This happens as follows:
- Members identify a domain of the business where:
- the needs of the business are best served by the focussed attention of a small number; or
- responsibilities are not being adequately or consistently met; or
- the board does not have sufficient expertise.
- Two to four people convene to draw up a terms of reference to describe and constrain the domain, aims and responsibilities of a new subgroup; or a mandate setting out a specific task and timeline for a new working group. They should seek input from members and staff with the relevant interest and expertise as needed.
- Initial members of the emerging subgroup or working group are nominated.
- A new terms of reference should be agreed by directors at an OGM. A mandate may be agreed at an OGM or a members meeting.