Members of the Board

• Ensure that the Institution operates within its objectives as defined in the Royal Charter, and in the public interest
• Determine strategic options for the Institution and in consultation with Council, select those to be pursued. Decide the means to implement and support them
• Ensure that the Institution's organisational structure and capability are appropriate for implementing the chosen strategies
• Delegate authority to management, and monitor and evaluate the implementation of policies, strategies and business plans
• Determine monitoring criteria to be used by the Board
• Communicate with senior management and establish effective internal controls
• Ensure that communications both to and from relevant stakeholders and the wider Membership are effective
• Understand and consider the public interest, and the interests of stakeholders and the wider Membership
• Represent the Board on Standing Committees and act as a link between these and the Board
• Ensure relations with the wider Membership and relevant stakeholders are monitored by gathering and evaluation of appropriate information and that appropriate action is taken if required
• Review and evaluate present and future opportunities, threats and risks in the external environment relating to the Institution and take appropriate action
• Adhere to the Board Code of Conduct
• Promote the goodwill and support of the wider membership and relevant stakeholders.

The following competencies/criteria for Board Members (Trustees) are desirable:

• Be a corporate member or served as a member of Council
• Commitment to the Institution and its objectives
• Knowledge and understanding of the objectives and range of Institution activities, the role of Board and the key internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to think at a strategic level, understanding both the process of development and implementation of policy, and the implications of strategic and policy decisions on the Institution's resources
• Ability to challenge constructively
• Ability to promote the Institution in a positive and constructive way
• Leadership ability, influencing others and taking decisions as necessary
• Understanding of team member role, listening/working constructively with others
• Specific skills to enhance professionalism including presentation (technical and practical), oral communication, and interpersonal skills
• An understanding of financial reporting
• Honesty, integrity and a respect for confidentiality
• Awareness on local, national and global scales of building services engineering issues and an appreciation of how the Institution can lead or assist change for the better

• Understand the distinct roles and responsibilities of the Institution’s Board, Council, Standing Committees and Executive and the extent of their respective authority
• Be exemplary role models as leading members of the profession. Act at all times in the best interests of the Institution maintaining confidentiality where and when required
• Not benefit from their position beyond that which is allowed by the law and is in the interests of the Institution - Identify and declare any actual or potentially perceived conflicts of interest
• Not accept gifts or hospitality where this could be seen as likely to influence the decisions of the Board
• Ensure that when presenting views and interests of a particular individual, group or collective, they consider and vote in the interest of the Institution as a whole
• Respect different opinions but accept the majority view and collective responsibility
• Participate in annual board self-assessment and any training necessary to fulfil their role.

• The standard term is three years.
• Board Members are expected to attend Board and Council meetings regularly, in order to make an appropriate contribution.
• Members are required to set time aside to read and prepare for the meetings, so that they can confidently and effectively carry out their trustee responsibilities.
• They are expected to attend other Institution events to demonstrate involvement, support and be available to members and stakeholders.