Protocol for TSNLA Representatives

A key function of the TSNLA is to act as a co-ordinated ‘voice’ for third sector learning and skills providers – to ensure that the key issues and contribution of the sector are known to government at national and local levels.

Representation of the TSNLA and its members is a crucial element of the ‘voice’ function and this protocol is designed to ensure that individuals and organisations representing the TSNLA do so with both support and accountability in place.

Who can represent the TSNLA

In the first instance the TSNLA will be represented by board members. Where this is not possible due to lack of availability full members of the TSNLA will be invited to represent - where individuals and organisations with relevant experience may represent the TSNLA with the approval of the TSNLA Chair.

Invitations for representation by the TSNLA will be considered by the board where this is possible.

Process – prior to meetings attended

In order for individuals or organisations to represent the TSNLA this should be agreed with the Chair. There will be consultation with the board and where time permits with the TSNLA membership.

Representatives need to ensure they are aware of the TSNLA views on relevant issues and the appropriate third sector contribution.

The TSNLA will ensure reps are clear about the expectations before they agree to the role (e.g. preparation in advance, contribution during, and reporting afterwards).

The TSNLA will ensure (whenever possible) that reps have access to all meeting papers in advance and where possible, sufficiently far in advance to circulate to members for comment.

The TSNLA will seek to ensure that attendance costs are not a barrier to representation.

Process – during meetings attended

TSNLA representatives will need to identify themselves as ‘TSNLA representative’ as well as their own organisation – for the purposes of both introductions and recording in minutes of meetings.

The views of the TSNLA and its representatives may not always be the same. In this case it is expected that individuals will indicate if their views are representative of their own organisation rather than those of the TSNLA.

Process – following meetings attended

Reps for the TSNLA will act as both information and feedback loop to the TSNLA and the wider membership. This will mean copying relevant meetings papers and minutes between TSNLA and reps and also producing a brief summary of meeting purpose, content and key issues so this can be circulated to TSNLA members.

The TSNLA will provide a template for feeding back information - see file below.

When publicising involvement in TSNLA activity representatives are expected to use the TSNLA logo as well as their own organisational logo.

TSNLA members will be kept informed about who their reps are and what their role as rep entails.