Feedback to the Board of Directors from the 2001 National Policy Congress

Board of Directors accountability

The 2001 National Policy Congress confirmed that:

the Board of Directors are accountable to both the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the membership at large.

Decision making

The 2001 National Policy Congress suggested that:

the Board of Directors seek input from groups and consult more extensively prior to decisions being made on key issues, for example, fees and conferences
when consulting the membership through the group structure, the Board of Directors give groups sufficient time to undertake their consultation within their normal schedule of meetings [one month is not sufficient]
decisions of the Board of Directors be communicated quickly to group office bearers, with reasons behind decisions being provided as a matter of course
the Board of Directors communicate with groups office bearers through electronic means, thereby ensuring ease of further distribution
a discussion list be established for Group convenors to communicate with the Board of Directors
the ALIA membership and group office bearers be informed about the role and responsibilities of the Board of Directors, and about the composition of the Board and its current incumbents.

ALIA business plan

The 2001 National Policy Congress suggested that:

the Board of Directors develop a full business plan, based on evidence and profiles/scenarios for different segments of the profession
the business plan process includes consideration of the strategy and plans presented to the Congress
the business plan is used for communication with members
a membership-marketing plan is developed as part of the business plan.

Communication

The delegates of the 2001 National Policy Congress suggested that:

key ALIA National Office activities be communicated to group office bearers in the same manner as suggested for Board decisions
ALIA National Office activities which have an impact on specific groups be communicated to these groups, for example, lobbying government or organisations regarding library and information services provision
ALIA National Office membership promotions be communicated to office bearers to maximise the impact
all communications to office bearers from the Board and National Office be concise and preferably in point format
an office bearers' discussion e-list for all group office bearers
the Board of Directors clarify to members the role and responsibilities it is taking in relation to education, following the demise of the Board of Education.

Group administration

The 2001 National Policy Congress alerted the Board to the responsibilities of group treasurers associated with the program budgeting and greater accountability introduced in response. It suggested to the Board of Directors that:

budgeting and reporting requirements be simplified
detailed funding criteria be further developed
detailed guidelines for treasurers be developed
financial procedures be streamlined, for example, less red tape, accounts with preferred suppliers
training be provided for office bearers, in particular treasurers
office bearers be supplied with copies of all distributed ALIA publications and information, including those distributed to institutional members
lists of new group members and full, up to date lists of groups members be provided promptly
ALIA National Office add new members of groups to the groups' e-lists as a matter of course.

Membership benefits

Delegates of the 2001 National Policy Congress supported the Board of Directors and National Office in that:

members should be the primary beneficiaries of ALIA services and intellectual assets
ALIA services provided through the website should be provided to members only
further commercial and professional member benefits be provided.

Continuing Professional Development Scheme

The delegates of the 2001 National Policy Congress suggested that:

the CPD scheme be simplified
participation in the CPD scheme be promoted further to members of the profession and their employers
compliance with the CPD scheme be promoted and encouraged

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