Dimension 2: Governance Framework


 

This dimension focuses on areas relating to the national board as is the policymaking body of an NSO, and the General Assembly as its highest authority. The national board provides the strategic direction of the organisation and ensures that the longterm vision, mission, goals, and objectives of the organisation are carried out by the management and executive team. The board must be composed of independent minded persons acting in a voluntary capacity. They should possess certain qualifications that befit the organisation’s principles and adhere to policies on conflict of interest. Moreover, the board should be governed by its own rules on conduct, attendance, meetings, quorum, voting rights, and terms of office. Young people under the age of 30 should be included in the composition of any boards and decision-making bodies of an NSO to support its governance.

201: The Constitution of the NSO sees the General Assembly as the NSO’s highest authority. Its composition is listed clearly with voting rights described. This Assembly performs each of its functions as assigned in the Constitution. ›

As per the WOSM Constitution, the World Scout Conference is defined as the governing organ (Chapter IV, Article IX-1and 2), the World Scout Committee is the executive organ (Chapter V, Article XIII-1) and the World Scout Bureau serves as the Secretariat of the World Organisation. This clear definition and division is important and should be reflected at the NSO/A level. Terminology might vary but these would generally be called, the General/National Assembly, the National Board/Council and the Executive Team/Permanent Staff.

The definition of the General Assembly, as the highest authority, its composition and how it operated should be clearly defined in the NSO/A Constitution, Bylaws, Rules of Procedure or other governing documents.

Example Evidence

The below are a few examples of evidence which can be used for assessment.

  • NSO Constitution
  • Rules of Procedures
  • By-Laws
  • Governing documents
  • General Assembly Minutes


 

202: The Constitution of the NSO defines the national board as the policymaking body, providing the strategic direction of the NSO, and which is approved by the General Assembly. ›

As per the WOSM Constitution, the World Scout Conference is defined as the governing organ (Chapter IV, Article IX-1-2), the World Scout Committee is the executive organ (Chapter V, Article XIII-1) and the World Scout Bureau serves as the Secretariat of the World Organisation. This clear definition and division is important and should be reflected at the NSO/A level. Terminology might vary but these would generally be called, the General/National Assembly, the National Board/Council and the Executive Team/Permanent Staff.

The definition of the National Board as the elected policy-making body, providing strategic direction should be clearly defined in the NSO/A constitution, bylaws, rules of procedures or other governing documents.

Example Evidence

The below are a few examples of evidence which can be used for assessment.

  • NSO/A Constitution
  • NSO Constitution
  • Rules of Procedures
  • Governing documents
  • By-Laws
  • General Assembly Minutes
  • Strategic Plan