Governance
Vancouver School of Theology is governed by a Board of Governors whose members are appointed by the School’s supporting denominations. Although members are drawn predominantly from the Vancouver area, there are also representatives from Vancouver Island, the Interior of British Columbia and Alberta. The Board meets six times a year.
Board Members
The Act of Incorporation states that the Board of Governors shall consist of the chancellor, the principal and no fewer than twelve appointed governors. The United Church of Canada and the Anglican Church of Canada each appoint four members and there are two representatives appointed by the Board of St. Andrew’s Hall, on behalf of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. (The Board of VST in turn appoints two representatives to the Board of SAH.) An additional two members-at-large are appointed by the Board. Governors are appointed for a term not exceeding 3 years and are eligible for reappointment but may not serve for more than 9 consecutive years as members of the Board of Governors.
2019/2020 Board Members
Board Policy Manual
The provincial statute which incorporated Vancouver School of Theology states that “the Board shall have full power and authority to determine the manner of governance and operation of the School.” In 2006 the Board decided to carry out its work on the basis of a modified “Policy Governance” approach which is sometimes referred to as the “Carver” model. The Board, therefore, concerns itself with policies while the actual “day to day” management of the School is the responsibility of the Principal who adheres to those policies.
Limitations Policies
- 2.1 General Restraint
- 2.2 Communication & Support to Board
- 2.3 Personnel
- 2.4 Volunteers & Beneficiaries
- 2.5 Budgeting
- 2.6 Financial Condition
- 2.7 Protection of Assets
- 2.8 Conflict of Interest
- 2.9 Vendor & Supplier Relations
- 2.10 Emergency Succession
- 2.11 Correspondence
- 2.12 Principal’s Report
- 2.13 Board Member Expenses & VST Expense Report
- 2.14 Board Member Educational Benefit
Process Policies
- 4.1 Board Governance Style
- 4.2 Board Constitution & Terms
- 4.3 Board Job Description
- 4.4 Board Member’s Code of Conduct
- 4.5 Board Disciplines & Practices
- 4.6 Diversity & Decision-Making
- 4.7 Role & Duties of the Chancellor
- 4.8 Role of the Chair
- 4.8 Role of the Vice-Chair
- 4.9 Appeals to the Board
- 4.10 Board Committees
- 4.11 Audit & Finance Committee
- 4.12 Nominations & Governance Committee
- 4.13 Vision & Strategy Committee
- 4.14 Principal Appraisal Committee
- 4.15 Agenda Planning
- 4.16 Perpetual Calendar
- 4.17 Resources for Governance
- 4.18 Board Evaluation
Documents Practices & Procedures
- 5.1 Statute – VST Act
- 5.2 Duties and Functions of a Policy Governance Board
- 5.5 Signposts for our Life Together
- 5.6 Board Self-Evaluation Tool
- 5.7 Policy Governance Approach at VST
- 5.8 Joint Working Group (VST/SAH)
- 5.10 Principal Evaluation Tools
- 5.13 Professional Portfolio Manager Policies – Available on Request