In safe hands: neighbourhood management governance, Bournemouth

Roles and responsibilities

The neighbourhood management project's board member handbook is a model of clarity which any organisation would do well to emulate. It sets out powers, responsibilities, and guidelines for conduct. It also provides very detailed but concise information on everything from the board's constitution, financial procedures and terms of service to useful contacts and a handy guide to jargon.

The handbook is regularly updated, with a bulleted list on the front page alerting board members to sections that have been revised. Copies of the handbook are available through the neighbourhood management network (www.neighbourhoodmanagement.net).

Elections, appointments and selections

• Half the residents will be elected every two years by postal ballot of all registered electors in the NM area. The first election will be in November 2003 and then every two years thereafter. Resident board members must live within the neighbourhood management area and be over 18-years-old
• Agencies will be approached every two years starting in November 2004 for their appointment. They may appoint new members to fill any vacancies arising through the year. Agencies' representatives must be paid officers of the appointing organisation. Agency board members may appoint a non-voting deputy, approved by the board, to attend meetings on their behalf, provided they are eligible as above
• Businesses, voluntary and faith organisations will be approached every two years starting in November 2004 to forward nominations. In the absence of a group that can provide an agreed nomination, the neighbourhood management board will establish a panel to select representatives from the nominations received. The business representative must be an employee or director of a business located or delivering services within the area. The faith representative must be a member or employee of a faith organisation based in or delivering services within the area. The voluntary sector representative must be an employee, member or director of a voluntary organisation based in or delivering services within the area.