Request for Proposal - Board Leadership and Governance training

Written By Spel'kúmtn Community Forest

Spel’kúmtn Community Forest (SCF) is seeking proposals from experienced consultants who can provide insight, direction and facilitation to enhance the governance practices of the organization. The work will include background research and engagement with the SCF, facilitating a 1.5 day, in-person governance training workshop, and drafting documents related to the work.

Submission deadline: January 10, 2025

Contact: Andrea Blaikie, Executive Director

Via email: spelkumtncf@gmail.com

 

Key timelines:

Target date for hire - February 12, 2025

Target date to commence services – March 2025

Target date to complete services – October 2025 

1.        OVERVIEW

Spel’kúmtn Community Forest (SCF) is a forest tenure, held in partnership by Líl’wat Nation and Village of Pemberton. The SCF Corporation is the General Partner that manages the operations of the community forest, operating at arm’s length from its shareholders. It is governed by a volunteer Board comprised of three Directors from each partner community. In the day-to-day, the SCF is administered by an Executive Director and operational management is led by contracted foresters. Governance and decision-making are guided by a Strategic Plan developed in 2024.

The organization is seeking to enhance Board Directors’ understanding of governance principles, roles, and responsibilities, leading to improved Board functioning, decision-making and organizational effectiveness.

2.       PROJECT SCOPE AND DELIVERABLES

We anticipate the work will include background research and engagement with the SCF, facilitation of a 1.5 day in-person workshop, and drafting summary documents or policies to guide the future work of the Board of Directors.

The 1.5 day in-person session of governance training for the Board of Directors should be conducted through a combination of interactive workshops/activities, presentations and group discussions.

Training Objectives:

  • principles and importance of good governance

  • roles and responsibilities of Board members, executives and staff

  • legal obligations, fiduciary duties and ethical considerations in governance

  • accountability and transparency in governance practices

  • understanding Board’s role in setting strategic direction and its place in operational planning

  • exploring effective decision-making frameworks and strategies

  • effective meeting procedures

  • Director connection, engagement, involvement

Deliverables:

  • customized training materials including presentations, handouts, exercises

  • participant engagement activities

  • report summarizing key learnings, outcomes, and recommendations for ongoing governance improvement

  • report on newly developed content or improvements to governance handbook and other governance documents

3. GENERAL CONDITIONS

Consultants shall disclose any potential conflicts of interest and existing business relationships they may have within the communities or with Shareholder entities.

Remuneration for services, up to the agreed upon contract amount will be paid against invoices within thirty (30) days after receipt. Claims for reasonable reimbursable expenses permitted by the contract will be paid upon presentation with appropriate documentation.

4. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

Proposals must include the following information to be considered: 

  • demonstration of experience in facilitation of governance training and understanding of governance best practices

  • depth and diversity of experience with relevant or similar governance bodies; experience with the forestry sector, Indigenous organizations and reconciliation are an asset

  • clear and coherent proposed training methodology and proposed activities

  • costs and proposed fees (including travel)

  • realistic timeline for training delivery and reports

  • ‘value added’ : the proposal should indicate thought and consideration has been given to the Spel’kúmtn CF specifically as an organization, as well as answering the goals of the project, highlighting any additional items or approaches.

5. PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND SELECTION

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • qualifications: experience in conducting training sessions

  • specific expertise: with similar/related businesses, natural resource sector and/or Community Forestry, Indigenous and reconciliation-focused environments

  • cost

  • schedule

  • value added

Spel'kúmtn Community Forest
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