G1; VFF Strategy and Policy Framework

1. PURPOSE 

The purpose of this policy is to: 

• create a strategy and policy framework that guides the delivery of VFF Constitution and its objectives 
• define the requirements for policies and procedures so the Board meets its legal and fiduciary accountabilities, and 
• define the requirements for policies and procedures so they remain effective, and contemporary. 

2. BACKGROUND 

The VFF is a not-for-profit company that comprises other entities as required. The Board is responsible for the governance and strategic direction of the VFF and monitors the CEO’s delivery of the corporate plan. 

3. POLICY 

3.1 The Board maintains a 5-year corporate plan. 

3.2 The Board maintains strategies that support the corporate plan.

3.3 The Board maintains policies to deliver its governance, fiduciary, risk and other accountabilities that are applicable to all VFF entities. 

3.4 The framework covers all VFF functions within the following policy areas: 

1. Governance 

2. Corporate 

3. People 

4. Membership 

5. Advocacy 

3.5  The Board is responsible for development, maintenance and approval of the corporate plan, strategies and policies that are reviewed as required. Out of session approval of new policies and amendments is permitted via electronic circular resolution for ratification at the next Board meeting. Strategies and policies remain in place until cancelled by the Board. 

3.6 The Board delegates responsibility for delivery of the corporate plan and implementation of strategies and policies to the CEO. 

3.7 The CEO is responsible for development, maintenance and approval of procedures and templates as required. Procedures and templates align with Board strategies and policies and allow their delivery, reporting to the Board and communication with members about delivery of the corporate plan. The CEO reviews procedures and templates as required and remain in place until cancelled by the CEO. 

3.8 The corporate plan, strategy, policies, procedures and templates apply to the Board, VFF staff, members and contractors. 

3.9 All policies and procedures must comply with the criteria in the respective VFF template. These criteria represent the basic requirements for policies and procedures that are effective and contemporary. 

3.10 The CEO maintains the register of strategies, policies, procedures and templates as the VFF strategy and policy framework. 

4. ACCOUNTABILITY 

VFF CHAIR 

VFF CEO 

5. RELATED POLICIES / PROCEDURES 

All VFF strategies, policies and procedures.