Governance & Decision-making
Below is a simple governance and decision-making structure for IrDEA to ensure the organisation can operate effectively.
This will be reviewed when the number of members in IrDEA exceeds 25.
1. Current Board of Directors
IrDEA has a Board of Directors, which currently contains two people: David Connolly (Independent Chairperson and elected until 2020) and Donna Gartland (Codema and elected until 2021).
2. AGM & New Board Members
IrDEA will hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) each year, at which the members can nominate and elect Directors to the Board. A single term for a Director is three years.
Considering the current size of IrDEA, the maximum number of Directors is set at three. To be elected, Directors must be supported by at least half of existing members.
3. Role of the Board & Decisions On Contentious Issues
IrDEA’s daily activities are coordinated by the Board, but where a contentious issue arises, it will be brought to the members for discussion.
4. Resolving Contentious Issues
For contentious issues, the aim will be to resolve by consensus. However, where no consensus can be found, then all members will be invited to vote on a decision.
5. Voting Rights
For final decision-making, each Member and Director will be entitled to one vote. If a decision will impact the legal or economic viability of IrDEA, a Director may VETO the decision.
6. Simple Majority & Tied Votes
The result of a decision-making vote will be based on a simple majority. In the case of a tie, the Chairperson will have the casting vote.
7. Remote & In-Person Voting
Decisions can be made remotely (e.g. via email or online) or at a meeting.
8. Quorum
The quorum for a decision is a response rate of at least 50% from members.
8. Role of the Chair
Meetings of the Board and Members will be chaired by the Chairperson, or someone nominated by the Chairperson of IrDEA.
