6.0 Induction

All new Board members should receive an introduction to the workings of the organisation; their role and responsibilities; and administrative arrangements. This is to ensure that Government Board members are appropriately informed of the standards of accountability expected of them and the statutory obligations imposed on them.

The induction process might include information, familiarisation, training and socialisation. Departments can avail themselves of specialised training courses for the induction of new members, including courses offered by the Australian Institute of Company Directors (external link).

New Board members should receive copies of the following information to assist with their familiarisation with the workings of their particular Board:

Statutory Framework

• enabling legislation; and
• any other relevant legislation, such as applicable sections of the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1977 (external link), Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 (external link) and Corporations Act 2001 (external link) (refer to the General Legislation section 7.3 of this Guide).

Information on the Board

• replaceable rules or the company's constitution;
• the three most recent annual reports/accounts;
• the last six months' Board and committee minutes; and
• the history of the Board and the size of the Board.

Relevant policy guidelines or statments

• current Ministerial directives;
• a code of conduct (if there is one designed for the particular body);
• copies of relevant Office of Public Service Merit and Equity guidelines, such as the General Guidelines for Personal Expenses and the Use of Credit Cards by Public Service Employees and the Guidelines for Overseas Travel for Official Purposes;
• government policy frameworks and/or agreements relevant to the Board's functions; and
• a copy of this Guide.

General Information

• relevant press clippings;
• government/industry reports; and
• economic efficiency or performance audits.

Functioning of the board

• time commitment required in Board meetings;
• briefings;
• public meetings;
• tenure and removal from office;
• the Board's reporting structure;
• attendance requirements (formal notice of absence);
• the applicable accounting standards;
• remuneration structure;
• financial performance; and
• declaration of private interests and strategic planning.

Other helpful references can be found in the Resources, Attachment 1of this Guide. To assist, an 'Induction Checklist' also appears as Attachment 4 (pdf) or Attachment 4 (html text only).

Last reviewed: 17 July, 2009

Last updated: 22 July, 2009

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