Agencies should use committee structures appropriate to their organizational needs.

Discussion

Committees are a necessary governance tool for agencies.  However, the number and type of committees need to reflect the circumstances of the individual agency.  For example, only those agencies with direct budgetary responsibilities need an audit committee.

The objective is for agencies to have systems in place to ensure that key governing responsibilities are executed in a consistent, diligent and timely manner.  Due to the need for diligence regarding finances, human resources and governance, all agencies that have related functions should give consideration to using audit, human resources and governance committees.

Practicality should be a key consideration.  For example, small agencies may wish to reserve time to meet as a committee of the whole in order to ensure certain issues are accorded the attention they merit.

The Agency Governance Secretariat will work with ministries and agencies to increase knowledge and understanding of committee types and structures that are useful for good oversight of agency responsibilities, and leading practices in reviewing effectiveness of committees.

Downloads:

• Sample Governance Committee Charter (pdf, opens in a new window)
• Sample Compensation Committee Charter (pdf, opens in a new window)
• Sample Finance Investment Charter (pdf, opens in a new window)
• Sample Audit Committee Charter - basic (pdf, opens in a new window)
• Sample Audit Committee Charter - detailed (pdf, opens in a new window)

Note: Sample documents have been developed by the Agency Governance Secretariat for informational purposes only and are not Government of Alberta standard or required documents or templates.  Agencies are encouraged to utilize and adapt the information contained in the sample documents to meet their needs.