Roles and Responsibilities of Advisory Board Members
Ajarya Yoga Academy
Preamble: Ajarya Yoga Academy will focus in the fields related to Yoga - Education, including Teaching Methodology, Learning Delivery Mechanisms, Evaluation Systems, and Research on various yoga and related topics, extension activities such as service in community and in disasters, etc.
Roles and Responsibilities of Advisory Board Members
1. Purpose
The purpose of an Ajarya Advisory Board (AAB) is to provide strategic advice to the Director of the Yoga Academy on the full range of Yoga Academy activities undertaken to achieve the Yoga Academy's mandate. AAB members may also be asked to provide advice to Executive Management, Science Council and Governing Council, through the Director.
2. Appointment
AAB members are appointed by Ajarya Management, in consultation with the Director. Members shall be invited to serve initial terms of up to three years and may be reappointed for a second term of up to three years.
3. AAB Member Expectations: Role
Advice
- Provides advice to the Directory and Yoga Academy staff in the development and implementation of the Yoga Academy's Strategic Plan and annual activity plans. The Board's focus is on broad research, policy and program issues and not the detailed management and operations of the Yoga Academy;
- Provides advice to guide regular performance measurement and evaluation activities of the Yoga Academy in meeting the objectives outlined in the Yoga Academy's strategic plan and addressing relevant international review panel recommendations;
- Works collaboratively with the Directory to apply an ethical framework to all Yoga Academy activities;
Stakeholder Relations and Communications
- Acts as a key link between the Yoga Academy and stakeholder communities by engaging researchers, policy makers, partners, stakeholders with an interest in yoga education, learning-teaching-evaluation methodology, research, extension activities and the public to work together to build an integrated, innovative, interdisciplinary Yoga Academy that is responsive to yoga needs and research and knowledge translation opportunities;
- Facilitates interactions and communication between the Yoga Academy and the broader community of researchers, non-governmental organizations and provincial and territorial ministries and regional health authorities;
- Is a source of informed insight from the public, private or non-profit sectors, including the research community and health practitioners, introducing knowledge, expertise, creativity, and innovation to Yoga Academy discussions and activities;
Understanding and Promotion of Ajarya Yoga Academy
- Understands the Board's key responsibilities and policies, the Yoga Academy's strategic priorities;
- Champions yoga research that is interdisciplinary and crosses the full range of biomedical research, clinical research and research respecting health systems, health services, the health of populations, societal and cultural dimensions of health and environmental influences on health;
Active Contribution to Ajarya Yoga Academy
- May serve on cross-Yoga Academy or Ad hoc committees, working groups, and peer review panels, as well as AAB Subcommittees and taskforces to further the work of the Yoga Academy.
4. AAB Member Expectations: Participation, Contribution and Accountability
a. Attends Advisory Board meetings on a regular basis and prepares in advance of meeting;
b. Contributes to the Board's perspective and wisdom by sharing knowledge and experience;
c. Listens and considers the opinions of others;
d. Treats Board matters confidentially;
e. Participates on Board committees, subgroups or task forces;
f. Is an ambassador and representative of the Yoga Academy;
g. Recommends qualified individuals to assist with Yoga Academy activities (peer review, speakers, etc.).
5. AAB Member Expectations: Conflict of Interest
a. Submits annually, and in writing, a disclosure of potential conflicts of interest form that includes an acknowledgement of, and undertaking to comply with, the Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Policy (CCIP) and CIHR's Code of Conduct.
b. Declares conflict of interest as required at the start of each advisory board meeting.
6. Time Requirement and Meeting Procedures
a. Meetings are held at least once annually at the call of the Chair, following consultation with the Directory;
b. AABs meetings will generally operate through an agreed upon consensus decision-making process.
c. Meetings are chaired by the AAB Chair, assisted by a Vice-Chair and supported by the Directory, Assistant Director and other staff (as required). Other guests will be present, as needed and appropriate;
d. Prior to, or during, the formal portion of the meeting, the Chair, Directory and/or members of the AAB may request an in-camera session.
7. Compensation
a. AAB members serve in a volunteer capacity.
Competency Profile
Competency-based Profile for Yoga Academy Advisory Board Members
Demographics Profile
- Gender
- Language
- Cultural diversity
- Provincial representation
- Institution (e.g. university, research Yoga Academy, hospital, NGO)
- Career Stage
Scientific Profile
- Research Themes (biomedical, clinical research, health services and policy, health population)? Expertise/Keywords
Scientific Excellence
- Awards/Distinctions/Honours
Sector
- Research
- Public Policy
- Health Care Delivery
- Communications
- Education
- Ethics
- Knowledge Translation
- Patient/Health Care User
- Voluntary Sector/NGOs
- Industry/Business
- Government (federal, provincial, municipal)
Skills/Experience
- Demonstrated leadership in various sectors
- Served on one or more boards of complex organizations
- Strategic decision making experience
- Analytical skills
- Informed judgment
- Risk identification
- Evaluation
Personal attributes/competencies
- Integrity and accountability
- Visionary
- Demonstrated leadership
- Strategic thinker with high level advice
- Innovator
- High ethical standards
- Abilities and linkages with the public, private and voluntary sectors