Board of Directors Candidate Application Information

Thank you for your interest in serving on the Nelson Community Food Centre Board of Directors. This package will provide you with valuable information to help you decide whether to apply to join our Board. It will also help us gather information about potential candidates.

All eligible members of the Nelson Community Food Centre (NCFC) may stand as nominees for the Board of Directors. Eligible candidates will meet the Director Requirements described below, demonstrate that they can fulfill the specific responsibilities required of the director, and show a commitment to the organization’s vision and mission. Potential candidates must consider that election to the NCFC Board of Directors is a minimum two-year commitment.

Election Timeline & Process

New directors can take office in one of two ways:

Election at the Annual General Meeting

Directors can be elected at the Annual General Meeting as per NCFC bylaws and the Society Act. A Director so elected serves a two-year term and is eligible for re-election. A board member can serve a maximum of three two-year terms.

Appointment by the Board

Directors can be appointed by the Board. A Director so appointed holds office only until the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the society but is eligible for re-election at the meeting. New directors can be appointed at any time when vacancies exist.

A completed board candidate application must be received at least one month prior to the AGM in order to be eligible for election at that year’s AGM (April). Applications received after this deadline will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be eligible for a temporary appointment. Notice of the AGM will be given to all members two weeks prior to the AGM.

Director Requirements

• All board candidates must be at least 16 years of age as of January 1st of the election year.
• All board candidates must formally declare their willingness to stand for election and submit their application at least one month prior to the AGM.
• All board candidates must state all potential conflicts of interest on the candidate application.
• All board candidates must commit to at least a two-year term.
• All board candidates must demonstrate an ability and willingness to abide by all Board policies.

The Role of the Board of Directors

The Nelson Community Food Centre Board is democratically elected. The Board acts in the best
interest of the NCFC and ensures that the society’s constitution, by-laws, and policies are
being followed. The Board sets the vision, mission, and goals of the organization.

Board Member Job Description

This job description, in combination with other documents, sets the minimum standard of
performance that all Directors are expected to adhere to.

Comprehension of Role

• Review and understand NCFC’s Board of Directors’ Orientation Guide upon joining the organization.
• Be familiar with, and committed to, the organization’s mission, vision, programs, long-range objectives, and the Constitution and By-Laws.
• Attend and participate in all monthly Board of Director meetings.
• Join a minimum of one committee.
• Perpetuate a strong board through recruitment, training, and professional development.
• Contribute to the NCFC’s positive public image by maintaining communication links to the community and acting as an advocate on behalf of the NCFC.

Fiduciary Oversight

• Know the budget (capital and operating), budget process, and financial situation of the organization; monitor financial position, indicators, and resources.
• Authorize appropriate funding for major programs and ensure the organization maintains good credit and financial standing.

Operational Oversight

• Set policies for the organization’s operation and establish its general course from year to year.
• Ensure that the policies, constitution, and bylaws are being followed and that the organization is fulfilling all aspects of its non-profit society status.
• Hire, evaluate, and if necessary, replace the NCFC Executive Director in accordance with organization policy.
• Approve and adhere to all staff contracts and compensation packages as outlined in organizational policy.
• Be familiar with how the organization keeps a written, permanent record of all Board minutes and official actions.
• Adhere to all NCFC policies as well as the NCFC Constitution and Bylaws.
• Work within the consensus decision-making model and refer to organization policy.
• Adhere to the legal responsibilities of directors as outlined in the corresponding policy.
• Prepare for and participate in Board training opportunities.
• Prepare for and participate in strategic planning and goal-setting sessions.
• Work collaboratively with Board colleagues and take responsibility for Board duties.
• Maintain confidentiality of NCFC information and materials.
• Communicate in a respectful manner.
• Declare any conflict of interest and recuse oneself from voting or decision-making where a conflict exists.

NCFC Volunteers as Board Members

• Front-line volunteers are invited and encouraged to apply to be directors of the board.
• Board members are invited and encouraged to apply to work as front-line volunteers.
• Board members who also volunteer on the front line are expected to maintain two distinct roles in the organization.
• When serving on the front line, board members must report to the NCFC coordinator and follow front-line volunteer guidelines.
• When acting on behalf of the board, members must report to the NCFC board co-chairs and adhere to board policies.

If interested, please complete the Nelson Community Food Centre Board Candidate Application Form below.