The EDA Board

Criteria for nomination to the board and job description

Criteria: board members

1. MUST have a good working knowledge of English as all meetings are conducted in this language.
2. Should be either dyslexic or dyscalculic or the parent/guardian of a dyslexic or dyscalculic person (at least 50% of the Board must meet this qualification) OR have a professional interest in dyslexia and/or dyscalculia.
3. Must be prepared to make a voluntary commitment to the EDA, for a four-year term.

What is expected of board members?

When elected, it is the primary job of Board Members to act on behalf of the European Dyslexia Association and in its best interests, NOT on behalf of their individual countries and organisations. Although nominated by a member organisation, an EDA board member does NOT represent that organisation or any other organisation while they are serving on the EDA Board.

Board members’ responsibilities:

The Board of Directors is responsible for the overall governance of the Association’s affairs. Board Members are expected to participate fully in the Board’s joint deliberations and to accept the legal responsibility and duty to act bona fide (in good faith) in the interest of the EDA as a whole. The EDA Board serves and acts on behalf of the EDA’s member organisations. EDA Board members are unpaid volunteers in their role as EDA Board members.

The Board of Directors appoints the officers (a Chairperson, two Vice-Chairpersons, Treasurer and Secretary) following the annual General Assembly (GA). Other directors may take on roles and participate in committees and working groups as appropriate to the EDA’s needs and their individual skill sets. 

Collective Responsibilities:

• To govern and develop the EDA in accordance with the EDA’s vision, mission, statutes, strategic goals, and governance manual.
• To oversee the management and administration of the EDA, apart from those functions to be carried out by the General Assembly.

Individual Responsibilities

• Regular attendance and active, prepared participation at Board and committee/sub-group meetings. The Board normally meets 4 – 5 times per year. Where possible, at least two Board meetings are held in person, and the rest are held online. 
• Board members would be expected to also be a member of at least one sub-committee relevant to their particular expertise.
• Committing to the EDA’s vision, mission, statutes, strategies, governance manual, policies and procedures.
• To act to enhance the EDA’s reputation, and in line with the EDA governance manual.
• The responsibility of Directors is limited to the term of their office.

What is expected of an EDA effective member association when nominating a potential board member?

An effective member association of the EDA nominating a Board Member is expected to support the candidate it has nominated. If elected to the EDA Board, the member association is expected to pay the reasonable travel and accommodation costs for attending EDA board or sub-committee meetings (this is in agreement between the nominee and their nominating organisation). The EDA does not normally pay for Board Members’ travel and accommodation, except in exceptional circumstances. EDA also facilitates online attendance, if Board members are unable to attend in person.