Pembina Valley Humane Society - Morden

What is the Board of Directors?

The Board of Directors is the governance body of the Pembina Valley Humane Society (PVHS). On behalf of the community, and representing the members of the PVHS, the Board provides the strategic direction, resources, and high-level oversight for the organization to be successful in achieving its mission and goals. 

Who serves on the PVHS Board?

Board members come from all walks of life. They share a commitment to the PVHS and the animals in our care and have skills that are required by the Board. Ideally, but not exclusively, candidates are sought with Board and/or volunteer experience at charitable/not-for-profit organizations, and with expertise in the following areas: management/strategic planning; finance/accounting; governance; evaluation/performance management; fundraising; veterinary medicine; government/municipal relations; privacy/security, communications, information technology; legal or regulatory; and/or human resources/recruitment & retention.

Other characteristics include:

• Age: By law, Board members must be at least 18 years of age.
• Education: Formal education is not a requirement for all Board positions, though it is desirable to have certain professionals on the Board to ensure an appropriate mix of perspectives. Many candidates possess a combination of work and personal experience that provides them with the necessary knowledge and understanding of the financial, administrative, ethical and policy issues that may be discussed at the Board.
• Knowledge/Awareness: Candidates should possess an interest in animal welfare and should understand the need to demonstrate a public image that is in keeping with the philosophies and goals of the PVHS
• Personal Suitability: It is desirable to have Board members who are willing and have confidence to advocate for the organization as well as challenge ideas, while recognizing that the willingness to challenge must be tempered by recognition of the need to work together in a cooperative and collegial manner.

What is expected of me as a Board member?

The Board of Directors usually meets once per month in the evening, for about two hours, at the PVHS. Reports, background materials, and other documentation are sent to Board members several days before the meeting, and Board members are expected to have read the materials and have their questions and comments prepared.

The main responsibilities of the PVHS Board are to:

1. Determine mission and purpose. It is the Board’s responsibility to create and review a statement of mission and purpose that articulates the organization’s goals, means, and primary constituents served.
2. Support and evaluate the Management Team. The Board should ensure that the Management Team has the support they needs to further the goals of the organization.
3. Ensure adequate financial resources. One of the Board’s foremost responsibilities is to secure adequate resources for the PVHS to fulfill its mission.
4. Protect assets and provide proper financial oversight. The Board approves and monitors the annual budget and ensures that proper financial controls are in place.
5. Build a competent Board. The Board has a responsibility to articulate prerequisites for candidates, orient new members, and periodically and comprehensively evaluate their own performance.
6. Ensure legal and ethical integrity. The Board is ultimately responsible for the organization’s adherence to legal standards and ethical norms.
7. Ensure effective strategic planning. The Board must actively participate in an overall strategic planning process and assist in implementing and monitoring the plan’s goals.
8. Monitor and strengthen programs and services. The Board’s responsibility is to determine which programs are consistent with PVHS’s mission and monitor their effectiveness.
9. Enhance the PVHS’s public standing. The Board should clearly articulate and support the PVHS’s mission, accomplishments, and goals to the public and garner support from the community.
10. Manage risk. The board must assess and address risk to the organization and ensure timely and proper corresponding responses.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?

There are many rewards from serving on the Board of Directors:

1. Sharing with a team in the accomplishment of doing something important for the Pembina Valley Humane Society and our community’s animals;
2. Using your skills in new ways, addressing very interesting issues;
3. Learning more about the Pembina Valley Humane Society and how it operates;
4. Meeting people who share your interests;
5. Developing new skills;
6. Developing your volunteer knowledge and skills – in the future, you may want to help other charities, too

If you are interested in joining the Board of Directors of the Pembina Valley Humane Society, please fill in the following application in full.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Application Questions: