Governance of the Office of Student Life

Good Governance is not necessarily about doing but rather ensuring procedures are followed. An effective board will practice the fundamentals such as budgets, risk management, internal controls, strategic leadership and avoid interfering with management. Further suggestions of good practice state that an effective member of the board of directors 

• upholds the highest ethical standards of integrity and probity.

• supports the Director and staff in the leadership of the company while monitoring their conduct. 

• questions intelligently, debates constructively, challenge rigorously and decides dispassionately 

• listens sensitively to the views of others, inside and outside the board 

• gains the trust and respect of other board members and

• promotes the highest standards of corporate governance and seeks compliance with the combined code wherever possible The OSL directors and the board are trained to observe these standards and ensure they are adopted and observed

Our Strategy

Office of Student Life Board of Directors 

Function of the OSL Board

OSL operations are governed by the Board of Directors which is made up of a number of directors, the head of the Board is called the Chair who leads and represents the Board to the Director of the OLS management and staff. The OSL board, made up of the Chair and directors has authority for, and is accountable to, its members (and the public at large) for ensuring that the OSL is appropriately managed and achieves its agreed strategic objectives.  

At all times the Board acts collectively. The Board gives the Director authority to operate the activities of the OSL and the Director is accountable for and reports to the Board on the OSL ongoing performance. The Director manages the OSL and implements the strategy and policies adopted by the board and the Chair and the OSL Director communicate regularly.  

The Board discharges its responsibilities by:

• supervising the overall budgetary planning and strategies. 

• reviewing the company’s internal controls and risk management policies and approving its governance structure. 

• appraising and approving major financing, investment, and contractual decisions in excess of defined thresholds.

•  evaluating and monitoring the performance of the OSL as a whole. This includes engaging at Board Meetings with the Director on the financial and operating performance of the company and external issues material to the OSL. 

•  monitoring the key significant risks facing the company. At all times the Board acts collectively. The Board gives the CEO broad authority to operate the business of the company and the CEO is accountable for and reports to the Board on business performance.

The Board meets regularly during the academic year, at least twice per semester. There is a provision for the Board to meet more often if required. 

Board meetings must have over 50% of the members present to be quorate. 

Membership

The Board membership is comprised of the Students’ Union President and one other current Students’ Union sabbatical officer, the immediate past Students’ Union President, the Director of the Office of Student Life, the Director of DCU’s Student Support and Development, and DCU’s Head of Financial Planning.  

Role of the Board 

• At the first meeting of the year, the Board reviews and approves annual audited accounts and the annual operational budget. It oversees and guides OSL reserves and oversees the implementation of the strategic plan.

• At each meeting, the OSL Director provides an update on the operational work carried out by the OSL staff between meetings, as per the strategic plan.

• Monthly accounts are produced, and the Director provides an update and answers queries.

• As required there is an update from the HR subcommittee. 

• The Chair supports and advises the Director, as and when required, and agrees on agenda items and meeting documents.

OSL Board Meeting Minutes