Policy - Advisory Board and Patrons By-Law Home

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the creation, roles, and responsibilities of an Advisory Board and Patrons for Scots of Canada (the “Corporation”). The Advisory Board and Patrons provide strategic advice, advocacy, and support to the Corporation but do not have governance or decision-making authority.

2. Authority

The Advisory Board and Patrons operate under the authority of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) and are accountable to the Board. Their role is advisory and non-binding, and they do not have fiduciary or legal responsibilities for the Corporation.

3. Advisory Board

  1. Role and Responsibilities:
    • Provide expertise, advice, and recommendations to the Board and staff on strategic initiatives, programs, and partnerships.
    • Act as ambassadors for the Corporation, promoting its mission and values.
    • Assist in identifying funding opportunities, networking, marketing and building relationships with stakeholders.
    • Act as mentors to the current members of the Board 
  2. Composition:
    • Members are appointed by the Board based on their expertise, experience, and commitment to the Corporation’s mission.
    • The Advisory Board may include individuals from diverse sectors, such as business, academia, government, and the non-profit sector.
    • The Advisory Board may include previous SOC Officers, Executives and Directors
  3. Term:
    • Members serve for a term of three (3) years, renewable at the discretion of the Board.
  4. Meetings:
    • The Advisory Board members are expected to attend Board of Director's meetings.
    • Meetings may be held in person, virtually, or via teleconference.
  5. Reporting:
    • The Advisory Board members provide updates and recommendations to the Board of Directors but do not have decision-making authority.

4. Patrons

  1. Role and Responsibilities:
    • Patrons are distinguished individuals who lend their name, reputation, and influence to support the Corporation’s mission.
    • They act as advocates and ambassadors, helping to raise the profile of the Corporation and its initiatives.
  2. Appointment:
    • Patrons are appointed by the Board in recognition of their significant contributions to the community or their alignment with the Corporation’s values.
  3. Term:
    • Patrons serve in an honorary capacity for an indefinite term, subject to review by the Board.
  4. Engagement:
    • Patrons may be invited to attend events, lend their name to fundraising and marketing campaigns, or provide advice on specific initiatives.

5. Conflicts of Interest

Members of the Advisory Board and Patrons must disclose any conflicts of interest in accordance with the Corporation’s Conflict of Interest Policy and refrain from participating in activities where a conflict exists.

6. Amendments

This policy may be amended by a resolution of the Board, provided that the amendment complies with the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (NFP Act), the Corporation’s By-laws, and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requirements.

7. Compliance with CRA Requirements

The activities of the Advisory Board and Patrons must align with the Corporation’s charitable purposes and comply with CRA regulations, including:

  • Ensuring that the Corporation’s resources are used exclusively for charitable activities.
  • Avoiding any activities that could result in a breach of the CRA’s rules on political activities or private benefit.

8. References

Effective Date. This policy is effective as of May 3, 2025 and supersedes any prior policies regarding Advisory Board and Patrons.

Revision. (YY/##). 2501