The Board focused its time in the beginning of the session on how the Board executes its duties. One of the ways the Board executes its duties is to create policy. The Board oversees the promulgation of administrative rules to govern the practice of psychology in Minnesota and also establishes the agency Strategic Plan to set the high level vision for the Board. A second way the Board executes its duties is to articulate its mission to stakeholders including the Legislature and graduate programs. The Board also shares the mission on its website, in literature and hand-outs, in presentations, and in exhibits and training sessions.
The Board training made a strong distinction between governance and management, defining governance as the strategic setting of the organizations goals, direction, limitations, and accountability frameworks, and management as, the allocation of resources and over-seeing the day-to-day operations of the organization. The Board discussed how the separation of these two responsibilities is critical to the success of the Board. In sum, it was agreed that it is the responsibility of Board members to establish what the organization does and what it should become in the future.
In closing, critical concepts emerged in the training that will be a focus for the coming year: Communication is critical. Board members must be responsive and engaged. Public protection is the focus of the Board and members are encouraged to ask frequently, what is the best course of action to best protect the public? Preparation is essential, thus Board members must come prepared to share their expertise and to make a difference. Finally, all Board members renewed a commitment to be engaged, to take ownership of the Board and its work to make for a successful 2015.
