As a not-for-profit charity, PCLS is governed by a Board of Directors. We are a community legal clinic and a teaching clinic. Our Board is composed of both community members and members who have academic experience that supports PCLS governance in education, community lawyering, and community organizing.
PCLS’ Board of Directors are classified into three categories. Class A Directors are voted in by the general membership (up to 10 Directors). The Class B Director (one Director) is voted in by the students currently enrolled in the Intensive Program in Poverty Law. Class C Directors are voted in by the Dean of Osgoode Hall Law School (four Directors). Our current Academic Director is also a Board member. The Board of Directors provides stewardship and leadership to PCLS’ governance.
Board members are elected for two-year terms. Board members’ time commitments vary but typically include:
- Attend monthly Board meetings on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 6 – 8 pm (occasionally longer). We anticipate hosting our meetings remotely for the time being. Should we switch to in person meetings, there will be an option to join remotely.
- Commit to an additional 5 – 10 hours per month to prepare for meetings and participate on board committees
- Familiarity with PCLS’ legal and foundational documents and keeping generally informed about ongoing activities at PCLS
- Actively participate in at least one committee of the board.
- Standing committees include: Anti-Discrimination & Harassment, Personnel, Finance & Audit, Fund Development, Membership & Community Participation, and Policy.
- Ad hoc committees: these vary year-to-year depending on issues arising (eg. Legal Aid Ontario Modernization, 50th Anniversary Planning etc.)
- In the coming year there will be a strategic planning committee formed, and all board members will be expected to be engaged in the strategic planning process.
- Being a good ambassador for PCLS; building and maintaining relationships with community and sector stakeholders
- Be available to serve a minimum of a 2-year term with eligibility for reappointment for successive term(s)
The current Board of Directors are listed below.
Academic Director
Student Representative
TBC
Non-voting Members
Committees
The Board of Directors both meets as a group to works in committees. We also accept non-Board member volunteers on some of our Board committees. If you are interested in volunteering on a Committee, then please contact us. The current committees include:
Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Committee
Receive reports from the Equality Counsel, pursuant the PCLS Discrimination and Harassment Policy and make determinations on whether the policy was violated. Report annually to the Board on the operation of the policy and recommendations for improvements in equity and inclusion at PCLS.
Executive Committee
Exercise routine Board management powers not requiring major policy decisions that require an immediate decision and is required; report all decisions at next Board meeting. Consults with Clinic Directors as necessary regarding preparation of Board materials and issues of clinic management.
Finance Committee
Provides financial stewardship, monitoring and policy development. Assists the Treasurer in responsibilities for financial records, statements, quarterly financial reports, audited financial statements, and budget preparation.
Funder Development Committee
Monitor and engage in relationship development with core funding partners. Maintains Board presence at the Association of Community Legal Clinics Ontario. Fundraising and risk/opportunity planning. Identifies and presents policy issues from time to time.
Membership Committee
- Board development & recruit subgroup
- Membership development subgroup
Recruit and maintain connection and communications with membership; identify nominations and recruitment for the Board of Directors; oversee the Annual General Meeting; oversee the orientation of new Board members.
Policy Committee
Provide structure and direction to the PCLS Board and staff for reviewing, revising adopting and rescinding Board policies to reflect current management and Board structures, and best practices in equity, inclusion and not-for-profit governance. Considers policies proposed by other committees or staff, and follows its consultation process on draft policies. Also responsible for developing and managing the process of Board self-assessment in alternate years.
Personnel Committee
Makes final decisions with respect to grievances arising from the collective agreement; supports development and maintenance of policies.
Strategic Planning Committee
- Board readiness
- Alumni working group
Consider and making recommendations to the Board around its strategic planning processes and how these processes are reflected in staff operational planning.