Duties and Responsibilities of Individual Board Members

Purpose

This policy sets out the obligations of individual FFPL Board members.

Statement

The FFPL Board expects its members to understand the extent of their authority and to use it appropriately.

1. Each FFPL Board member is expected to become a productive participant in exercising the duties of the FFPL Board as a whole.
2. Individual members of the FFPL Board are responsible for exercising a Duty of Diligence as follows:
   1. be informed of legislation under which the FFPLTC exists, FFPL Board by-laws, mission, vision and values
   2. be informed about the activities of the FFPLTC and the community and issues that affect the FFPLTC
   3. attend FFPL Board meetings regularly and contribute from personal, professional and life experience to the work of the FFPL Board
   4. be prepared for all FFPL Board meetings and use meeting time productively
3. Individual members of the FFPL Board are responsible for exercising a Duty of Loyalty, as follows:
   1. adhere to the regulations of the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act
   2. act in the interest of the FFPLTC members and community over and above other interest group involvement, membership on other boards, council or personal interest
   3. speak with “one voice” once a decision is reached and a resolution is passed by the FFPL Board
   4. represent the FFPLTC positively to the community
4. Individual members of the FFPL Board are responsible for exercising a Duty of Care, as follows:
   1. promote a high level of library service
   2. consider information gathered in preparation for decision making
   3. offer personal perspective and opinions on issues that are subject to FFPL Board discussion and decisions
   4. show respect for the opinions of others
   5. assume no authority to make decisions outside of FFPL Board meetings
   6. know and respect the distinction in the roles of the FFPL Board and the FFPLTC Staff
   7. refrain from individually directing the CEO and the FFPLTC Staff
   8. respect the confidential nature of library service to users while being aware of, and in compliance with, applicable laws governing freedom of information
   9. resist censorship of FFPLTC materials by groups or individuals