Good Law Project – The Role of the Board and Chair

In line with its statutory duties, the Board has ultimate responsibility for leading Good Law Project as follows:

1.       Leadership

The Board is responsible for leading the organisation. It sets the direction of the organisation, and approves policy and strategy aligned with the direction. It expects the Senior Management Team (SMT)  to contribute to the development of direction, strategy and policy but is ultimately responsible for the direction of the organisation. Board members have particular expertise, wisdom and experience that they use to provide support to the SMT. The Board represents the organisation with external stakeholders and accepts collective accountability for the organisation’s work in the public interest.

2.       Values and Culture

The Board is responsible for upholding and supporting Good Law Project’s values and identity. It will lead by example and ensure that Good Law Project’s culture and values are developed and adopted appropriately.

3.       Mission and Strategy

The Board sets the mission and strategic objectives of the organisation.  It approves the strategy for the organisation, taking account of the wider regulatory and risk landscape, and ensures that  it is designed to achieve the mission and objectives it has agreed upon. When approving the strategy, it takes account of short-term pressures but also maintains sight of broader long-term trends.

4.       Oversight

The Board monitors the work and performance of the organisation and holds the SMT to account for its delegated responsibilities. Where necessary it will constructively challenge the SMT. It aims to be sufficiently knowledgeable about the workings of the organisation to be answerable for its actions, yet able to stand back from the day-to-day management of the organisation in order to retain an objective, longer-term view.

5.       Good Governance

The Board is responsible for ensuring that sound and effective governance arrangements are in place so that the organisation can operate in accordance with the good governance principles and organisational values agreed by the Board.  Each Board member is expected to contribute personally to the successful implementation of the governance principles and the achievement of the organisation’s aims, objectives and mission, and to accept collective responsibility for the Board operating in accordance with this role statement.

Good Law Project – The Role of the Chair of the Board

The Chair’s responsibilities relate primarily to managing the Board and ensuring its effectiveness. The Chair’s responsibilities include:

• Setting the Board’s agenda, with a focus on strategy, monitoring the performance of Good Law Project, controls and accountability.
• Ensuring the Board has the requisite skills and expertise, and that new Board members are properly inducted and supported.
• Ensuring that Board Members are fully briefed on the terms of their appointment, duties, declarations and conflicts of interest and responsibilities.
• Ensuring that the Board is enabled to, and does, make clear decisions, and monitoring the implementation of the Board’s decisions.
• Establishing and building a strong, effective and constructive working relationship with the Executive Director and the Senior Management Team.
• Maintaining regular contact with the Board members and the Senior Management Team to develop and maintain open and supportive relationships with them.
• Ensuring that the Board meets at regular intervals throughout the year.
• Ensuring that the work of the Board and its members is reviewed and is effective.
• Acting as an advocate for the organisation, both internally and externally.
• Promoting Good Law Project’s values, high standards of propriety, and efficient and effective use of staff and other resources throughout the organisation.
• Adhering to Good Law Project’s Code of Conduct.
• Conducting human resource processes as required by Good Law project’s human resource policies. In particular, the Chair is the final point of appeal in Good Law Project’s grievance procedure.