WATSON Speaks

Liz Watson, QC was the keynote speaker on June 24, 2015 at the Ministry of Finance, Crown Board of Directors Professional Development Meeting in Vancouver, BC. Liz outlined a six-step approach to ensure decisions and actions of public sector organizations reflect the priorities and values of both the government and their shareholders – BC citizens.

Recognizing that public sector organizations have a higher accountability to the taxpayer, TAP puts into motion a series of actions that have a direct impact on boards and individual directors including the requirement that the new mandate letter is agreed to and signed by all directors. Implementing TAP requires Crowns to evaluate their current practices against government expectations and to improve structure, practice and results where gaps exist.

Click here to:

1. Learn more about the BC Government framework and standards for public sector governance
2. Check your personal awareness and your board’s adherence against a list of BC Government best practice standards with WATSON’s Check Your Standards Rating Card
3. Find out how a six-step process can help you and your organization meet TAP standards by reviewing and revitalizing governance practices

There is a lot of information and speculation out there about the new BC Societies Act – what you need to do and why.

As part of WATSON’s ongoing research and as we monitor the governance landscape we are keeping abreast of developments and initiatives related to the new BC Societies Act. At WATSON, we see transitioning under the new Societies Act as an opportunity to enhance governance practices and have identified three key areas where societies can optimize this window for positive change:  Bylaws, Policy Review and Renewal.

WATSON has also identified the “BIG FIVE” changes that come with very specific requirements: 

1)             Member-Funded Societies

2)             Records and Reporting Requirements

3)             Member Classes

4)             Directors – Qualifications, Restrictions and Powers

5)             Special Resolutions

As new information becomes available and enabling regulations are introduced, WATSON will be expanding its program of breakfast workshops and will publish updates on the web. WATCH this space!

In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about the “Big 5”, if you’re curious about WATSON’s advice on the “three windows of opportunity” and you want to start planning for change, contact us and ask how we can help you:

• Get informed about changes to the Act and what this means to your organization;
• Learn how to prepare; and
• Explore how this transition is an opportunity to improve overall governance practices.

Contact Teresa@watsoninc.ca or Natasha@watsoninc.ca or call 604-569-2071.