MSF UK Association - How does it work?

Association members' opinions and votes have a significant influence through the Board and the Executive. Members play an essential role in holding the Board to account.

What does the Board do?

• The Board has ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of MSF UK and ensuring it is well run and delivering the objectives for which it was set up. It appoints the Executive Director and delegates responsibility for the management of MSF UK to the Executive Director and management team. The Board scrutinises and approves policies, strategic and annual plans and holds the executive to account.
• The Board delegates members to sit on the Operational Centre Amsterdam (OCA) Council and the International Council (IC). In this way MSF UK participates in decision-making on identity and strategy issues at the OC and international levels. Click here for Board member's additional functions and UK Office management links*.

• Board members participate in Field Associative Debates (FADs) – annual debating forums in MSF’s field missions. In this way it ensures a link between the field and the governance of MSF UK.

 How do Association members influence the Board and hold it to account?

• Association members can propose motions (action to be taken) at the General Assembly. These are debated and voted on by members entitled to vote. A quorum of 10% is required to approve motions. (Voting members who cannot attend the GA can vote by proxy).
• Association members can attend Board meetings  and can propose issues for the agenda.
• Click here for Board meeting minutes* and updates relating to motions passed at the General Assembly*
• Board members are available to discuss requests or issues raised by members. For Association members only click here for the Board members contact details.

How does the Board seek the Association members' approval?

Board members and the Executive Director inform the members and report on activities, policies and decisions in various ways:

• At the General Assembly, the Association members approve the President’s report (‘Rapport Morale’*) – an overview of the year’s activities and the funds MSF UK received and spent (four weeks before the GA, members have access to the financial accounts*).
• Through presentations at Board meetings on MSF UK office activities (often field-related), the OCA and the international movement (minutes* are posted on the MSF UK Association website).
• Association members receive regular editions of ‘Talking Drums’, newsletters and other materials on the Association website.

* These links are for Association members only. Click here to join.