BRIGGS - DE LAINE - PEARSON FOUNDATION GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES

1. The Board speaks with one voice or none.

    • The Chairman is the voice.

    • The Chairman can designate a Board member(s) to speak;

    • All other Board members will refer their questions/concerns to the Chairman or the Chairman’s designee;

    • No other Board member(s) can discuss board business with anyone except with another Board member. This includes family, friends, individuals in the community as well as media.

2. The Board serves the people of Clarendon County, South Carolina.

3. The Board defines and delegates but does not react/ratify.

    • Defines – everyone in the room understands and agrees;

    • Delegates – determines who does what;

    • React/ratify – does not rubber-stamp.

4. The Board requires accountability of all Board members.

5. The Board sets its own processes and policies to ensure effective Board performance.

6. The Board empowers the Chairman and requires accountability of him/her.

7. Board Members must keep adequately informed on relevant issues.

8. Board members must avoid conflicts of interest.

9. The Board sets parameters for the Chairman but does not prescribe the means.

10. Board members must maintain strict loyalty and accountability. This commitment must     
        supersede any conflicts (i.e. to advocacy or interest groups or memberships on other boards or
        staffs). This loyalty and accountability must also supersede any personal interest.

11. Board members must avoid any conflicts of interest with respect to their fiduciary duties.   
        There must be no self-dealing or any conduct of private business or personal business.

12. The Board meeting schedule will be adopted and published in compliance with the South
        Carolina Freedom of Information Act. All meetings shall be open and public meetings in
        accordance with the spirit and the letter of the Act. 

13. Executive sessions may only be held in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Only
        members of the Board and those persons specifically invited by the Chairperson shall attend
        executive sessions. All discussions conducted in executive sessions shall be kept confidential.
        No minutes shall be recorded.

14. The agenda for each meeting will be set by the Board Chairman with input from the Board
        members.

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