The Institute’s governance is made up of a number of groups where board directors, employees and volunteer members relevant experience, expertise and interests join to focus on a specific element of our business. The Committees make recommendations to the Board and work across the profession to ensure the Institute is supporting their members in every possible way. If you are interested in joining a committee please register your interest via email.
FULL COUNCIL
The Board of Directors of the Institute, known as ‘Full Council’ exists to directly support the membership and implement the policy and aims of the Institute. Each Board member is an elected representative of the membership and works in a voluntary capacity. Elections take place at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Institute.
The entire Board meets four times a year, and is responsible for the overall decision making in many different areas, from education, media and marketing, membership issues, governance, law and ethics, government liaison and industry cooperation. Although the Board sets our strategic direction, and is responsible for overseeing progress against this, much of the work on specific areas of activity is delegated to other committees and project teams.
ExecuTive Committee
The Executive Committee (ExCo) is responsible for managing the day to day business of the Institute, providing direction and advice to Council, as well as overseeing some sub-committees. They meet more frequently than the Full Council and will often be in more regular contact. ExCo membership always includes the Chief Executive, President, Vice-President and Honorary Treasurer.
Their focus includes:
- Supporting Council decision making by providing recommendations and proposals
- Developing and implementing strategy, operational plans, policies, procedures and budgets
- Driving and monitoring operating and financial performance
- Assessing and controlling risk
- Prioritising and allocating resources
- Providing governance across the subcommittees
FINANCE & RISK COMMITTEE
This committee is responsible for ensuring that the financial performance of the institute is properly monitored, and that risks are identified and managed. They meet at least twice a year, and will convene more frequently if required. Membership always includes the Chief Executive, President and Honorary Treasurer.
Professional Standards COMMITTEE
The role of the PSC is to maintain, develop and oversee standards in all aspects of the professional practice of herbal medicine
The committee is responsible for standards in
– Education and training
– Professional conduct
The PSC keeps abreast of professional standards and legislation in healthcare and medicine which affect herbal medicine.
ACCREDITATION BOARD
The Board was established in 1996 to accredit training courses in herbal medicine which lead to entry to the Institute.
It consists of lay and herbalist members who direct and undertake the process of accreditation of courses in herbal medicine leading to membership of the Institute.