The EIANZ Board meets about every six weeks to discuss Institute-wide topics, make decisions about important initiatives, provide direction to Central Office and receive reports from Board Committees. The Board had a productive meeting on 28 July. Key outcomes of the meeting were:

• End of financial year result. It is estimated that Central Office will achieve a better than expected financial outcome for the 2015-16 financial year. Achieving a solid surplus is an excellent result, compared with the substantial deficit last financial year, which now places the Institute in a stronger position than 12 months ago.
• Agreement on a 2016-19 Corporate Plan. The Board agreed to seek the advice of the Advisory Council on the draft corporate plan. Key focus areas for implementation during this period will be to:
  • Enhance services to attract and retain members
  • Deliver professional development
  • Improve communications
  • Represent the profession
  • Improve organisational delivery.
• Progress on corporate governance. Over the last few months, the Board has developed a Statement of Corporate Governance and reviewed two important By-laws (relating to the Certification Scheme, and Divisions and Chapters). These documents will be published on the EIANZ website, following consultation with the Advisory Council. The Board acknowledged the valuable assistance of former President, Jon Womersley FEIANZ CEnvP, in the drafting of the By-laws.
• Outcome of the Australian Federal Election. The Board noted the appointment of the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP as Minister for the Environment and Energy. The Board considered that the integration of the environment and energy portfolios better enables coordination of climate change and energy policy and programs, while noting the importance of continuing to progress actions on other environmental challenges facing Australia. 
• Improved communications. The Board agreed to develop and implement initiatives to improve communications, particularly with members and to enable greater sharing of content.

The Board noted the excellent progress of various initiatives being led by Board Committees.

Board members also congratulated President Michael Chilcott FEIANZ CEnvP on his recent seven-year appointment as a Commissioner of the NSW Land and Environment Court.

The next Board meeting will be held on 8 September, with a focus on the end of financial year accounts and audit, and the Institute annual report.

You can find minutes from past Board meetings on the website here. Minutes are available to members only. Make sure you are logged into the website to view them.