Standards/Terms of Reference

Purpose
The Terms of Reference Standard provides a template for drafting terms of reference for internal groups. Terms of Reference should be written in present tense, and use the below headings where relevant.

Template
&#61;&#61;Purpose&#61;&#61;

[Begins with 'The &lt;body&gt; is established to' and summarises the purpose of the body.]

&#61;&#61;Coordination&#61;&#61;

[Sets out how the body is managed, such as by an officer or officers, or by the National Council.]

&#61;&#61;Membership&#61;&#61;

[Sets out who can be a member of the body and how they apply to be a member.]

&#61;&#61;Status&#61;&#61;

[Can confer a status on a body if it's not obvious from the title.]

&#61;&#61;Objectives and responsibilities&#61;&#61;

[Sets out what a body is intended to do, and any requirements the body or its coordinators may have in regard to reporting, oversight and holding meetings.]

&#61;&#61;Powers&#61;&#61;

[Sets out what a body is empowered to do to achieve the objectives if these are not obvious from the objectives and responsibilities or are unusual.]

&#61;&#61;Budgetary requirements&#61;&#61;

[Sets out whether and how the body is to be funded, which will typically be either 'Any expenditure must be authorised by the National Council in advance' (for groups likely to be making proposals requiring funding) or 'The &lt;group&gt; is not expected to incur any expenses of its own, but may request funds from the National Council if required'.]

&#61;&#61;Internal communication&#61;&#61;

[Sets out any special provisions as to internal communications of the body.]

&#61;&#61;Decision-making procedure&#61;&#61;

[Sets out any special provisions as to decision-making procedures of the body.]

&#61;&#61;Expected duration&#61;&#61;

[Sets out the expected duration of the body and how it is to be wrapped up; if indefinite the phrase 'The &lt;group&gt; is expected to last indefinitely' is suggested.]