Board Application

Thank you for expressing an interest in becoming a member of the Board of Directors for Hamilton Community Legal Clinic/Clinique juridique communautaire de Hamilton. We are an independent bilingual not-for-profit corporation run by a volunteer Board of Directors. Our Board is made up of community members who share the aims and objectives of our organization in serving our local communities.

Board Members must also be regular members of the clinic. Membership is free and open to anyone who lives, works or volunteers in Hamilton and subscribes to the objectives of our Legal Clinic. If you are not yet a member,  fill out our Membership Form to apply.

Board Member Position Description

ACCOUNTABILITY:

• The Board of Directors is collectively accountable for the organization’s performance in respect to the mission and objectives of the organization and for the stewardship of financial resources.
• The Directors are accountable to members, key stakeholders including Legal Aid Ontario and the community in general.

RESPONSIBILITY:

• As a member of the Board of Directors you will act in a position of trust for the community and are responsible for the effective governance of Hamilton Community Legal Clinic/Clinique juridique communautaire de Hamilton including its vigorous pursuit of its mission and objectives and adherence to its core values.

AUTHORITY:

• The Board of Directors is the legal authority for the Clinic.
• Board members have no authority to act individually in the direction of staff and volunteers or to act as spokesperson for the organization unless specifically given such authority by the board.

TERM:

Directors are elected by the membership at the Annual general meeting. Directors serve for a three-year term. Directors may be re-elected for two additional terms.

TIME COMMITMENT:

• Attend regular meetings of the Clinic Board of Directors, which are approximately 2 hours in duration.  (Meetings, preparation, consultation).
• Attend Annual General Meeting.
• The board meets at least 9 times per year.
• Be accessible for personal contact in between board meetings and monitor any email/fax/mail exchange relevant to board activitie
• Serve as an active, member of at least one board committee or the executive committee all of which require a number of separate meetings per year plus individual committee task completion time.
• Participate in an annual board development session, normally a ½ day on the weekend in October.

EXPECTATIONS:

• Commitment to the work of the Clinic.
• Be informed of the services provided by the Clinic and publicly support them.
• Prepare for and participate in the discussions and the deliberations of the board.
• Be aware and abstain from any conflict of interest.
• Prepare in advance for decision-making and policy formation at board meetings.
• Take responsibility for self-education on the major issues before the board.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

• Knowledge and skills in one or more areas of Board governance: policy, finance, programs, personnel, related volunteerism, etc. would be an asset.
• Knowledge of the community.
• Commitment to the organization’s mission and objectives particularly promoting access to justice.
• Openness to learn.

MAJOR DUTIES:

• Participate in annual and long range planning for the organization in meeting the needs of the community.
• Monitor the performance of the organization in relation to the plans.
• Read and understand a set of financial statements (training provided).
• Annually review and approve the organization’s funding strategy.
• Review, clarify and amend the mission and objectives of the organization.
• Develop, amend and approve by-laws and governing policies.
• Participate in hiring, evaluating and releasing the Executive Director.
• Participate in the recruitment of new board members.
• In general, utilize personal and professional skills, relationships and knowledge for the benefit and advancement of the Clinic.

WORKING STYLE:

• Work as a team member in a positive, collaborative, consensus building manner with other Board members and staff.
• Support board decisions.
• Keep informed about or up-to-date on relevant community issues.
• Demonstrate and encourage innovative thinking.
• Foster a positive working relationship with other board members and staff.
• Question and probe in a respectful, positive and constructive manner.