Information on what the role of a CIPFA Council member involves.
In order that Council can fulfil its collective Terms of Reference, individual Council members, inter alia:
- participate in debates which will set the Institute’s strategic framework and direction
- participate in the good governance of the Institute, including keeping under review the Charter, Bye-Laws and Regulations of the Institute
- maintain oversight of the Institute from the two key perspectives of a) the public interest and b) the CIPFA membership
- contribute by membership of at least one Board, Committee or Forum to that group's achievement of its part of the Institute's development strategy
- approve and adopt the Institute's annual Business Plan and Budget, and the Annual Report and Accounts
- appoint Board/Committee chairs and vice-chairs who meet the role profile for those positions, approving Terms of Reference
- approve and adopt standards of professional practice and statements, and codes of best practice
- elected Council members are also expected to actively engage with the membership primarily through their regional executive committee.
- comply with all of the requirements of the Institute's Code of Conduct
Trustee responsibilities
CIPFA is constituted as a charity, therefore, all Council members are trustees of the Institute and must carry out six main duties:
- Ensure your charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit
- Manage your charity’s resources responsibly
- Comply with your charity’s governing document and the law
- Ensure your charity if accountable
- Act with reasonable care
- Act in your charity’s best interests
Personal attributes
An effective member of Council will demonstrate:
- strategic and creative vision
- independent and sound judgement on a consistent basis
- an ability to constructively hold the Institute’s strategic and financial direction to account
- good interpersonal, communication and networking skills
- an ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with others, working easily,
- effectively and collaboratively with colleagues
- personal authority and credibility, and the stature to command respect and trust of others, in
- acting as an ambassador of the Institute
- intellectual capacity and rigour
- a clear commitment to upholding the values, strategies and decisions of the Institute and to serving the public interest ahead of any self-interest
- adaptability, flexibility and self-motivation
- an interest in the concerns of the membership
- a commitment to the seven Nolan principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
Time commitment
Being a member of Council involves a significant time commitment. Council members will need to be engaged with the regions and attend
- Council meetings, 4 times a year; Council meetings are a mix of virtual and face to face meetings and typically 3 hours duration
- Sub-Committee meetings, approx. 4 times a year
- CIPFA organised events, such as the AGM and annual conference