The Board of HSENI is appointed by the Department of the Economy and is responsible to the Minister for establishing the overall strategic direction of HSENI. The Board is also responsible for providing oversight of the corporate governance and financial and risk management of the body.
Roles and responsibilities of the HSENI Board
The HSENI Board has corporate responsibility for ensuring that HSENI fulfils the aims and objectives set by the Department and approved by the Minister, and for promoting the efficient, economic and effective use of staff and other resources by HSENI.
The Board oversees performance and strategic direction and is also responsible for ensuring the highest standards of corporate governance, efficiency and propriety in the use of public funds. HSENI is a crown body, staffed by civil servants, and the Board is responsible for appointing its Chief Executive.
The Board must ensure that public service values remain at the heart of HSENI. the high standards of corporate and personal conduct required of HSENI Board Members are set out in a Code of Conduct. The current Cabinet Office model Code of Practice for Board members of public bodies can be accessed via the following link:
The Board will contribute to the setting of strategic objectives, standards and values for the organisation and take corporate strategic decisions, within a policy framework set by Government. The Board will consider, amongst other things, the Corporate Plan and HSENI Published Operating Plan (POP), and the performance targets contained therein.
All Members of the Board of HSENI will:
be bound by and shall adhere to the provisions of the HSENI Code of Conduct (see Chapter Eight)
contribute to the setting of strategic objectives, standards and values for the organisation and take corporate strategic decisions, within a policy framework set by Government
contribute to the three-year Corporate Plan and Published Operating Plan (POP) and the setting of performance targets contained therein
be accountable for the efficient, effective and economic implementation of the statutory functions set out in the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (as amended) and act in a way that promotes high standards of public finance, including the promotion of regularity, propriety and value for money
ensure that financial information is regularly received and reviewed
engage with the Minister from time to time on the formulation and implementation of health and safety policy
act from time to time as a channel of communication between the Department, industry, local government, academia and HSENI
demonstrate high standards of corporate governance in all areas of HSENI business and monitor the performance of the organisation through the governance structures
act in accordance with collective Board decisions even if he/she has personally objected to a decision
contribute from a personal perspective or area of interest but be fully involved in all Board matters and serve the community as a whole
exercise a challenging role to ensure that HSENI is performing appropriately and effectively
serve on committees of HSENI as nominated
act as a responsible employer
Other important Board member responsibilities include:
ensuring that HSENI operates within the limits of its statutory authority and any delegated authority agreed with the Department, and in accordance with any other conditions relating to the use of public funds
ensuring that, in reaching decisions, the Board has taken into account any guidance issued by the Department
establishing such committees as it considers appropriate to conduct its business
constructively challenging the HSENI’s Chief Executive (CE) and Senior Management Team (SMT) in their planning, target setting and delivery of performance
when required, acting as a source of advice to the Minister on major issues of business development, strategy and policy
committing to robust and honest participation; acting diligently and in good faith to the full extent of your skill and knowledge
making all reasonable endeavours to attend all Board meetings, meetings of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC) (if a member), and be well prepared by reading relevant papers in advance and contribute to decision-making. Members’ attendance at Board and ARAC meetings will be reviewed by the Chair and made publicly available
taking meaningful steps to make yourself aware of relevant information as necessary to enable you to perform your duties to a high standard
Role and responsibilities of the Chair
Including the responsibilities of the Board, the Chair is, in addition, responsible for:
setting the agenda and managing the Board to enable collaborative and robust discussion of issues
developing and motivating the Board and ensure effective relationships in order that the Board can work collaboratively to reach a consensus on decisions. To achieve this, they should ensure:
the Board has an appropriate balance of skills appropriate to its business
Board members are fully briefed on terms of appointment, duties, rights and responsibilities
Board members receive and maintain appropriate training
the Minister is advised of HSENI’s needs when board vacancies arise
there is a Board Operating Framework in place setting out the roles and responsibilities of the Board in line with relevant guidance
there is a code of practice for Board members in place, consistent with relevant guidance
lead the recruitment process for a Chief Executive (CE)
The role also requires the establishment of an effective working relationship with the Chief Executive that is simultaneously collaborative and challenging. It is important that the Chair and Chief Executive act in accordance with their distinct roles and responsibilities as laid out in Managing Public Money NI and their appointment letters.
The Chair should have a presence in the organisation and cultivate external relationships which provide useful links for the organisation while being mindful of overstepping boundaries and becoming involved in day-to-day operations or executive activities.
Role and responsibilities of the Deputy Chair (where appointed)
The role of the Deputy Chair is to provide support to the Chair (and Board) to help ensure the Board fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the Invest HSENI.
More specifically the Deputy Chair will deputise in the absence of the Chair and undertake additional responsibilities as required at the request of the Chair.
In discharging this role, and in addition to their general responsibilities as a Board member, the Deputy Chair has the responsibility to:
deputise in the absence of the Chair at any Board meeting
take over the role of Chair in an emergency on a temporary basis
support the Chair to lead the recruitment process for a CE
Termination of appointment
In order to maintain high standards in public life, an appointment may be terminated if an appointee is convicted of a criminal offence and / or where the DfE Permanent Secretary believes that the appointee's conduct means that he or she is no longer a suitable person to hold office as Chair or Board member of the HSENI.
Should the HSENI be dissolved, restructured, or wound up during the period of your appointment, then your appointment would, of course, also cease with effect from the date of that dissolution or any other such date as is specified in any relevant legislation.
An appointment may be terminated if at any time the Board member is considered unfit to continue in office or are incapable of performing their duties as a member of the Board. Chapter Nine (‘Failure to Observe the Code of Conduct’) details the principles and processes to resolve cases of allegations concerning the conduct of Board members.
