To all staff, stakeholders and Members of IHTSDO:
As you may know, in April 2016 it was decided to investigate whether the governance structure of IHTSDO needed revision as a result of the rapid growth of the organisation. The General Assembly, Management Board and Management Team, collectively agreed it was timely to commission external experts to review and advise us on our governance structures. We informed you of the progress in this process last August and in the October meeting in Wellington. We wish to inform you on the results of the process and resulting MB recruitment process.
Based on the external review report that was received in August, a governance review committee comprised of members of the General Assembly, Management Board and Management Team considered options to position the organisation for growth. The review committee has agreed that the organisation embark on a Management Board renewal process to coincide with its move to the United Kingdom. All members of the current Management Board and the Executive of the General Assembly supported the review committee proposal that SNOMED International adopt best governance practice and move to a seven person Management Board.
The General Assembly has therefore invited current Management Board members to stand down. All current Management Board members may be eligible and are indeed encouraged to apply for the seven positions available on the new Board.
The Management Board has the legal and oversight responsibility for the management of SNOMED International. The terms of the appointments to the Management Board will be staggered with the longest term being three years and the shortest being one year. This will ensure continuity of experience in the Management Board into the future.
SNOMED International is seeking individuals with varying skills/abilities and experience. The Management Board’s skills matrix and its independence policy areattached for information.
Each year the Management Board meets face-to-face at least three times and holds at least three additional teleconferences. Face-to-face meeting locations are London (UK) and a variety of other locations around the world. The GA Executive is invited to take part in all MB meetings as observers.
The Management Board are non-executive Director positions and carry legal responsibility for the governance of the organisation. By law, the application criteria require the applicant to provide data on their personal experience and statutory declarations relating to financial status i.e. that they are not disqualified or an undischarged bankrupt etc. Further information on the requirements can be found at https://ihtsdo.freshdesk.com/solution/articles/4000096705-applications-for-positions-on-the-snomed-international-management-board, which is accessible by clicking on FAQ at the top of any page of the www.snomed.org website.
The call for nominations of the new slate of board members will begin on February 3rd.
If anyone has questions please contact Don Sweete, Chief Executive Officer (dsw@snomed.org).
With kind regards,
Stewart Jessamine, Chair General Assembly
Jamie Ferguson, Chair Management Board
Don Sweete, CEO