SIA Board of Trustees (Governing Council)

Under SIA's Constitution, the Board of Trustees, known as the Governing Council, is elected by full members of the Association, ie those members who are themselves spinal cord injured.  This is so that the Association is governed by those whom it is intended to serve, ie spinal cord injured people.

Governing Council Elections

Each year a ballot is held of the membership to elect the maximum of 15 Trustees.  In addition, a further 5 co-options may be made, elected by the Trustees themselves.  Co-options are used to enable additional skills to be brought to the Council, eg financial, medical etc.

Trustees serve a maximum of three years after which they must step down, although they may offer themselves for re-election.   Co-options serve a one year term but again may stand for re-election in the subsequent year if they so wish.

The Chair, two Vice Chairs and Treasurer (the Honorary Officers) are elected by the Trustees from amongst their number.  The Chair and Vice Chairs may serve a maximum of three years in their positions, following which they must stand down.

Governing Council Meetings

The full Governing Council of SIA convenes four times a year at a full day's meeting on a Saturday, Induction of newly elected Trustees takes place during the autumn after the AGM.  In advance of all meetings, Council members are sent copies of the Agenda and supporting papers.  Following the meeting, all Trustees are sent copies of the Minutes.

Staff routinely attending Governing Council meetings are the Executive and Deputy Directors.  The Council may extend an invitation to attend to one of the Heads of Department.

The Council represents a diverse range of people who differ in age, gender, experience and the level of paralysis they have following spinal cord injury.  However, the Council is currently demographically underrepresented by members living in the North of England and by those from minority ethnic groups.  Nominations from these sections of the community would be particularly welcome.

If you would like any further information on becoming an SIA Trustee, please contact Bernie Murphy via email or on 0845 678 6633 ext 201