A Suggested Restructure of Dogs Queensland

by Daryl Cross

Much has been said over recent weeks about Incorporation for Dogs Queensland and many worthwhile suggestions put forward for the improvement of the organization.
Complete restructuring of the organization was something that I included in one of my submissions to DQ/RNA when they called for submissions some 8/9 months ago.
At the time this obviously was not acceptable however I believe that based on the number of comments now being made by various people this is the way to go.
On that basis and recognizing that Timothy Thomas has recently indicated a similar approach on Facebook I want to put forward the following for discussion.  This is a update on my original proposal and one that I believe will work satisfactorily for the benefit of all.
This model will require participation from a greater number of people but it will give more people a say in the organization as a whole and is intended to streamline all operations..
Please feel free to circulate the URL in order that as many people see the proposal as possible. 
I would welcome feedback (both in favour and against) for this proposal.

By viewing the diagram above you will note that I am suggesting:

A Board of Management structure be adopted following normal business practice, and

The following elected and appointed positions as indicated be adopted.

President (Elected by the members according the Model Rules (Act)
Two Vice Presidents (Elected by the members)
Treasurer (Elected by the members according to the Model Rules (Act)

(Note: The President can also be the Chairman of the Board but must be elected by the members – that person can then be accepted as the Chairman by the Board but it must be done in that order )

Chairman of the Board (Elected by the Board however cannot then be named President as that would be contrary to the Model Rules (ACT).

CEO (Salaried position, advertised and appointed by the Board)

Staff (From positions advertised and appointed by the CEO)

 Note:  If the decision is to have both a President AND a Chairman then the President and V/P’s would not be on the Board of Management – in other words the President would be a figurehead position as would the V/P’s.

Board of Directors (In Pink/Red) (All advertised and elected by the members) Recommended Committees are in Blue and these can be added to as necessary).  Committees would have the power to establish sub-committees as necessary to ensure a smooth operation.  If a particular Portfolio appears to be to unwieldy it may become necessary to divide it into two separate portfolios to lighten the load on a Director.

Note:  The individual Directors would have as many committees/subcommittees as necessary under their jurisdiction.  These committees would be made up of people who have been appointed by the relevant Director (with a seal of approval from the Board) and not be restricted in numbers.  Nominations for Committees/Sub-Committees would be called  for from the membership and it is anticipated that each member of a committee would bring a great deal of knowledge/experience in that particular field to the committee.  The Director would have the power to recommend to the Board for their approval who should be the Chairperson of each Committee however it is recommended that the Director should not be on any of the committees but can attend any committee meetings and have an advisory input.  Committees are to keep minutes of any meeting they hold and these minutes should be given to the director who will table them at the next Board meeting, together with any recommendations/proposals etc. arising from same.

Director (Activities) This position would carry a heavy work load but if the Director sets up a good committee system then it is very workable.  (Note: this may be one portfolio that could be divided into two separate entities)

Director (Legal & Constitution)  This Board position would look after all legal matters; e.g. Constitution & By Laws.  It is envisaged that the Rules of specific activities would come from the various committees (via their Director) for the Director (Legal) to take to the Board, or their Director could take them direct to the Board.

Director (Finance) It is envisaged that the Treasurer would fill this position.

Director (Facilities & Infrastructure) Committees as indicated. Others to be added on the recommendation of the Director to the Board.

Director (Health & Research Development) Committees as recommended by the Director to the Board

Director (Public Relations & Marketing) Committees as indicated.

Director (Education) Committees as indicated. Others can be added on the recommendation of the Director to the Board.

Director (Regions)  As you can see from the diagram there is allowance for three separate committees set up to represent the regions.  It is up to each region in conjunction with the Director to establish what is the best setup for them to achieve their goals.  The purpose of this model is that each region establish their own working committee and each report to the Director with their proposals and concerns to go to the Board.

Note: Overall what must also be remembered is that Directorships are open to anyone over the age of 18 with the experience/qualifications to apply – it is not restricted to the South East corner, therefore anyone from anywhere in the State should be able to nominate.

Director (Junior Development) The Director to recommend to the Board what committees he/she wants to establish

NOTE:  This model is only a suggestion and I would welcome comments, suggestions or otherwise from members.

My email address is fotoaction@yahoo.com