GP 9: Council Vice Chair Charter
| Policy Number: |
GP 9 |
Approve Date: |
June 2025 |
| Review Frequency: |
Triennial |
*May be reviewed earlier as required |
1. Source of Authority
The Vice Chair is established under Bylaw 2.
2. Establishment
2.1. The Vice Chair is appointed in accordance with Bylaw 2.
2.2. Any Council member may serve as Vice Chair.
2.3. The Vice Chair’s term is for two (2) years, and the Vice Chair is eligible to serve one (1) two-year term.
2.4. In the absence of the Vice Chair, the Chair of the Leadership Review and Governance Committee will be designated as acting Vice Chair of Council and shall have the powers and duties of the Vice Chair.
2.5. If a vacancy occurs in the position of Vice Chair, the remaining members of Council may determine whether to fill the vacancy and may make such appointments or arrangements as they consider appropriate in the circumstances.
3. Duties and Responsibilities
3.1. The Vice Chair shall assist the Council Chair and fulfill the responsibilities of the Chair, including presiding as chair of Council, should the Chair be unable to do so.
3.2. The Vice Chair supports the Chair in leading the Council and the College governance processes and helps to ensure Council’s conduct is consistent with its owns rules and those legitimately imposed upon it.
3.3. The Vice Chair supports the Chair in ensuring the integrity of the Council’s process.
3.4. The Vice Chair:
3.4.1. Assists the Council Chair in establishing effective corporate governance processes and practices and in ensuring efficient and effective Council meetings.
3.4.2. Assists the Chair with the development of Council agendas.
3.4.3. Attends with the Chair all pre-council meetings to ensure complete knowledge and understanding of the agenda and content management of the meeting.
3.4.4. Acts as a sounding board for the Chair, providing counsel and advice on Council matters as required.
3.4.5. May be called upon to resolve any dispute which an individual Council member may have with the Council Chair.
3.4.6. Builds Council unity, solidarity, and trust; demonstrates integrity and ethical leadership.
3.4.7. Works in collaboration with the Chair to mentor Council members, foster engagement and build leadership capacity.
3.4.8. May be delegated by the Chair to lead meetings, special initiatives, task forces or working groups at the Council or governance committee level.
3.4.9. Performs any additional duties requested by the Council Chair or by Council as required.
3.5. The authority of the Vice Chair consists of making decisions that fall within Council policies, when performing the Chair’s duties during the Chair’s absence, except where Council specifically delegated portions of this authority to others.
3.6. The Vice Chair is authorized to use any reasonable interpretation of the provisions in these policies. The Vice Chair has no authority to supervise or direct the CEO & Registrar.
3.7. The relationship between the Vice Chair and Chair is one that is collegial, collaborative, and supportive.
3.8. The Vice Chair role is not automatically a precursor to the role of Council Chair.