Other Reports – Organisational Parliamentarian
The Assembly will be held on the 18th of May from 2 pm to 7 pm UK time
As Region 9 Parliamentarian, my role has been to ensure that our parliamentary procedures are both compliant with Robert’s Rules of Order and effectively adapted to the needs of our region. My responsibilities have spanned offering advisory services on interregional matters, guiding policy implementation, supporting board and committee meetings, conducting a comprehensive revision of your bylaws, and creating the Board Reference Manual. These efforts are all directed toward maintaining a transparent and effective structure.
Advising on a issue involving another Region
- Task: Provided expert advice regarding procedural and organisational issues involving another region.
- Outcome: Clarified points of order and ensured that communications and decisions aligned with established parliamentary principles.
Policy Guidance
- Task: Offered insights and advice on the General Data Protection Regulation policy.
- Outcome: Assisted the organisation in aligning its practices with data protection standards, ensuring that parliamentary procedures support compliance and transparency.
Participation in Board and Trusted Servants Meetings
- Task: Actively participated in board meetings as well as meetings of the trusted servants.
- Outcome: Contributed to smoother decision-making processes by clarifying procedural questions and ensuring that all meetings adhered to proper order and decorum.
Revision of Bylaws
- Task: Completed a comprehensive revision of the bylaws for the board.
- Current Status: In the process of presenting the revised bylaws to the board and the Nuts and Bolts Committee.
- Next Steps: Intend for the board and the Nuts and Bolts Committee to submit the revisions to the annual assembly for formal adoption. Followed by a similar revision to the Policy Manual.
Parliamentary Opinion on a Service Body Matter
- Task: Provided a detailed parliamentary opinion concerning a matter raised by a service body.
- Outcome: Clarified procedural ambiguities, contributing to a well-informed decision-making process.
Board Reference Manual
- Task: Developed and updated the Board Reference Manual.
- Details:
- This manual serves as a guide for board members, consolidating rules, procedures, and best practices for conducting meetings and making decisions. This ensures that both new and experienced board members have a clear, consistent reference.
- Outcome: The Board Reference Manual has enhanced the board’s ability to manage issues.
Future Assistance and Recommendations
Moving forward, my contributions can continue to support our organization in several key areas:
- Ongoing Parliamentary Advisory: Ensure that every assembly, board, and committee meeting is conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order. Provide real-time clarification on points of order and procedural challenges as they arise.
- Policy Development and Review: Offer periodic reviews of our bylaws, standing rules, and policies (including GDPR) to ensure they remain current and effective. This includes assisting in drafting amendments and providing interpretations during meetings.
- Enhancements to the Board Reference Manual: Continue refining the Board Reference Manual by incorporating feedback from board members and addressing emerging procedural issues. This will further empower the board to operate smoothly and transparently.
- Inter-Regional and Cross-Committee Support: Continue advising on matters that span different regions or committees to maintain consistency and fairness in procedural decisions.
- Training and Capacity Building: Develop training sessions or workshops on parliamentary procedure for board members and committee chairs. This proactive approach will empower our leadership to manage meetings effectively and reduce procedural conflicts.
- Special Projects and Initiatives: Provide targeted support for any special projects or initiatives that require in-depth parliamentary consultation, such as major changes involving the Charitable Incorporated Organisation or the introduction of new policies.
Conclusion
The role of a parliamentarian is integral to maintaining order, fairness, and efficiency of your organisational processes. By distinguishing between the broader responsibilities of an Assembly Parliamentarian and the focused guidance of an Organisational Parliamentarian, I have tailored my approach to meet the specific needs of Region 9. With a comprehensive body of work already completed—including advising on inter-regional issues, revising bylaws, and developing the Board Reference Manual—I look forward to continuing my support in ensuring that meetings, policies, and decisions remain effective and transparent.
I welcome further discussion on these topics and am ready to engage with any new challenges or opportunities that enhance our processes.