Governance Commission Chair
About the Federation of International Touch
The Federation of International Touch (FIT) purpose is to facilitate and nurture the development of Touch globally by working closely with Member organisations and key stakeholders.
FIT activities provide international pathways for Member Associations (players, coaches, referees, selectors, administrators and volunteers) and also facilitate the holding of quality international events, the availability of resources and the delivery of development programs.
FIT undertakes its activities in accordance with the objects, powers, requirements and proceedings as described in the FIT Constitution (the Constitution), and with a commitment to high levels of ethics and integrity.
The FIT Constitution states the composition of the Board shall comprise of elected and appointed directors. The Board composition and governance structure can be found at the Federation website. In addition to their governance and operational responsibilities as a Board member, each Director is responsible for leading a specific portfolio area.
Primary Objectives of the Position
The Governance Commission Chair plays a lead role in supporting the ongoing development of Touch globally through a commitment to good governance and risk management.
The position works closely with FIT administration/operations and National Touch Organisations (NTOs) to facilitate good governance practices by providing expert advice, developing FIT endorsed resources, leading project-specific working groups considering key governance matters, and facilitating networking opportunities to share ideas and experiences.
The Governance Commission consists of the Chair and a maximum of 10 members (2 maximum per region), representing the FIT regional structure and a commitment to diversity wherever possible. The Commission may also invite professional or expert advisors to join the Commission from time to time to assist with items that require specific technical or subject matter expertise.
The position of FIT Governance Commission Chair is a voluntary position.
Length of Term
The Governance Commission Chair shall be appointed from the date of appointment to one month after the next election of Board members at the World Cup (approximately four-year cycle). In the event that the FIT Board does not appoint the FIT Governance Commission Chair and members prior to the expiry of their individual terms of appointment, the Chair and members may continue in office past the expiry date of appointment to maintain continuity of service until the FIT Board makes new appointments.
Appointments made during the four-year cycle and between Annual General Meetings will conclude as per the timeframe detailed above.
Meetings and Time Commitment
The Governance Commission Chair may be required to spend an estimated 15 hours per month carrying out the position and undertaking responsibilities, however this may vary subject to the work program and particular activities that may occur from time to time.
Annual activities and time commitment include the following:
Commission meetings
- Commission Meetings are conducted on an as needs basis and vary in duration (dependant on agenda and/or issues).
- Estimate 3-6 Commission Meetings per annum of 2-3 hours duration via electronic platform (Skype/Google/Zoom).
- Preparation time of 1-2 hours for each Commission meeting.
Attendance at FIT Events/Conferences/Workshops as may be required
- As required to attend and prepare for each Event/Conference/Workshop, subject to FIT Board approval.
- Networking, promotional, educational, project based specific working groups, and broad range of activities
- Time commitment will vary and is based on the scope and requirements of the specific activity involved.
The Governance Commission Chair may be required to travel internationally.
Expenses incurred through undertaking the responsibilities of the position are subject to reimbursement and/or payment by FIT in accordance with FIT Financial Policies.
Key Position Relationships
Internal relationships include:
- Governance Commission Chair reports to the Governance Director or nominated Director as determined by the Board.
- FIT Board members, Sub-committees and Commissions.
External relationships include:
- FIT Member organisations and potential Member organisations.
- Partners and potential partners (e.g., Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF), OSFO, International Sport Federation, etc.).
- Professional organisations (eg governance and business related organisations).
- Sponsors and potential sponsors.
- Funding providers.
- Suppliers.
Delegations
As defined in the FIT Delegations.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide leadership in governance and risk management which reflects a commitment to the application of best practice.
- Provide expert advice in the development of governance and risk management polices, processes and procedures, frameworks, and systems, in accordance with the FIT Strategic Plan, Operational Plan, and governance work program.
- Work with the Governance Commission members to prepare written reports for submission to the FIT Board.
- Appoint the members of the Governance Commission, after consultation with, and endorsement by, the FIT Governance Director and FIT Board.
- Develop and maintain close working relationships with NTOs with a focus on facilitating networks and supporting members in building their governance capacity.
- Act as primary spokesperson for FIT in relation to governance activities associated with the Governance Portfolio.
- Actively support the organisation to maintain positive and productive relationships with Members, media and other organisations.
- Ensure informed decision-making is underpinned by high levels of ethics and integrity, and be committed to promoting responsible behaviours within the sport of Touch.
- Perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the FIT Code of Behaviour Policy and FIT Member Protection Policy.
- Perform other responsibilities as may be assigned by the FIT Board and Governance Director.
Qualifications and Other Requirements
Mandatory Qualifications
- There are no mandatory qualifications.
Other Requirements:
- Experience in governance for a minimum of 3 years is highly desirable.
- Possession of Governance, Business, Commerce, Compliance and/or Legal qualifications is highly desirable.
Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Attributes
- Extensive knowledge and demonstrated experience in developing and delivering governance and risk management policies, procedures, frameworks and systems which promote good practice.
- Proven leadership skills in the delivery of business and governance outcomes consistent with strategic frameworks and organisational priorities.
- Proven ability to lead and motivate teams and work collaboratively with other team members in a constructive, challenging and supportive manner.
- High level communication, negotiation and influencing skills with the ability to network and engage and represent FIT effectively to Members and stakeholders.
- Proven ability to prepare detailed and complex briefing papers and reports.
- Proven ability to manage under pressure, meet deadlines, effectively manage stakeholder expectations, and to manage sensitive and complex activities objectively.
- Ability to be a critical and innovative thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Possess a strong commitment to high levels of ethics and integrity, and to promoting a sporting environment that is safe, fair and inclusive for everyone involved in Touch.
Additional Information
- Pre-appointment screening, including criminal history and discipline history checks, and where appropriate, working with children checks, may be undertaken on persons recommended for appointment.
- In accordance with the FIT Member Protection Policy persons recommended for appointment will be required to complete the Member Protection Declaration.
- In accordance with the FIT Volunteer Policy persons recommended for appointment will be required to complete the Volunteer Agreement.
- In accordance with the FIT Conflict of Interest Policy persons recommended for appointment will be required to complete the Declaration of Private Interests.
Contact Person
Enquiries regarding this Position Description are to be directed to the FIT Governance Director.
Authorisation
This document has been authorised by: