Purpose

The College’s Council has an important role in ensuring the effective regulation of the nursing profession in Alberta. This policy gives an overview of the College’s expectations of Council members and the support that the College provides Councillors in their essential role.

1. Overview

The College has developed a carefully thought-out process to select Councillors based on their character, competency and commitment to the College’s regulatory role and protection of the public. With this in mind, the College has high expectations for its Councillors. These include full participation in Council and Committee meetings and respect for fellow Councillors and staff.

The College expects Councillors to regularly attend meetings and to adhere to Council protocols which are found in the Code of Conduct for Council members. Councillors should also be aware of their role regarding external communication found in the Governance and Communications Protocol.

The College annually evaluates Council, the Chair and individual members. The evaluation process is set out in the Council and Committees’ Performance Review Framework.  Councillors will receive feedback on their individual performance and together with the Chair will develop an individualized plan to assist them in their growth and development as Councillors.

If a Councillor is not found suitable or is unable to serve for any reason, the College will cease the relationship. The process for terminating membership on Council is found in the College’s Bylaws #7.

The College provides Councillors with the following opportunities and support:

2. Orientation and Governance Education

Council recognizes and supports the reasonable costs that are associated with being an effective Councillor. The annual investment in governance is considered a Council annual budget item that is developed by Council, approved by Council and is incorporated by the CEO & Registrar into the the College annual budget. This includes:

• Formal annual orientation/training for new Councillors and to update existing Council members (see Appendix)
• Ongoing learning opportunities such as Director Education programs and external Conferences

The College will compensate Councillors for all reasonable and approved expenses (as outlined in approved guidelines.) the College expects that individual Councillor’s employers will also support these learning opportunities both materially and with encouragement.

The College expects that Councillors who attend external Director Education programs will provide Council with feedback and any governance learnings that they feel are relevant to Council’s efforts to become more efficient and effective.

2. External Conferences

   Council members are eligible to apply to attend external conferences. Priority will be given to conferences that support the College’s strategic priorities and the Councillor’s learning needs with a focus on governance and core business expertise. The choice of conference will be made in consultation with the Chair. The Councillor is expected to report to Council on the learning outcomes of the conference to aid the mutual learning of all Council members. The College will pay for travel, accommodation, registration and other applicable items as outlined in approved guidelines.

3. Remuneration and Expense Recovery

   Council recognizes the costs for governance process and Council members may be compensated if required (excluding preparation time for meetings) and reasonable expenses incurred may be reimbursed in compliance with approved guidelines.

4. Computer access

   To ensure that Council members are accessible by email during their terms of office, the College will reimburse Council members for Internet connection at a rate as set out in approved guidelines. 

APPENDIX

1. The annual orientation to the College for new and continuing councillors may cover the following:
   • A review of who’s who in the College.
   • The broad general scope of the College, including the mission statement, principles, values, history and services of the College
   • The roles, relationships and structure of each level of the College.
   • Legislation, regulations and bylaws relevant to the College.
   • A summary of current issues.

      

2. Orientation to Council will include the following:
   • The role of Council as a governing body and the importance of Council in the regulation of the profession.
   • Council’s governing style.
   • Council’s relationship with other groups, organizations and key stakeholders.
   • Council’s calendar, budget, agenda and workplan.
   • A high-level review of the policy manual.
   • The role of Committees.
   • The annual evaluation process.

      

3. Orientation to the individual role of a Council member will cover the following:
   • Legal responsibilities.
   • Participation requirements for meetings.
   • Claim process for Council expenses.
   • Councillor evaluation and opportunities for learning and growth.
4. Whenever possible, orientations will be done before the new Council member attends their first council meeting.

    

5. Some orientation topics may require attendance at a separate orientation session.

    

6. Opportunities for new Councillors to be mentored by current Council members will be explored.

    

7. The Chair and CEO & Registrar are responsible for all aspects of the Council orientation.

    

8. Incoming Councillors will be expected to thoroughly review the College bylaws and policies in preparation for the orientation.