In order to keep abreast of broader developments, I have attended an Oxford Internet Institute seminar on “Can The Internet Survive?” and an E-Society/Yahoo! Conference on “Where Is The Internet Going?”. Also I attended the IWF-organised Parliamentary “No Frontiers” dinner described in the CEO’s report. Finally I was at the LINX event at the Science Museum to mark the 10^th anniversary of the organisation.

 

 

As usual, in the course of the last quarter, I have kept in close contact with Peter through frequent e-mails and monthly meetings in London. I was at Oakington for the visit to the IWF offices by the Ofcom Chief Executive which is described in the CEO’s report. On the Board’s behalf, I attended the IWF staff Christmas dinner to underline our appreciation of their efforts over the past year, 

 

 

 

 

In my last report, I noted that three Board members – Sonia Livingstone, Jim Reynolds and Howard Lamb –were nearing the end of their initial term of appointment (1 January 2001 - 31 December 2004). Howard has subsequently stepped down from the Board and the Funding Council has elected Nick Truman as his replacement.

 

As regards the two non-industry Board members, the IWF constitution states that: “The decision on whether to offer a non-industry Board member a further term of office will be taken by the Chair and the two Vice-Chairs”. At the last Executive Committee, it was confirmed that Sonia and Jim are to be appointed to serve a further term and Sonia has agreed with non-industry colleagues to continue as the non-industry Vice-chair.

 

Also in my last report, I explained that I had started the process of meeting each non-industry Board meeting for a personal chat on their role and the Board more generally. I have now managed to meet five of these six colleagues and had an extremely useful exchange. In each case, I explored views on Board administration and Board meetings and discussed the role of the individual and of the organisation generally.

 

 

There was general satisfaction with the conduct of the Board and the progress of the IWF. The work of the Chief Executive and the IWF staff generally was strongly praised and appreciated. I have fed back some specific comments and suggestions to relevant IWF staff.  The non-industry Board members wish to be used a bit more and are keen that there is a good understanding between the main Board and the Funding Council. 

 

Finally, as usual, I chaired a meeting of the Executive Committee to review matters and prepare for this Board meeting. Also I chaired the special meeting of IWF Ltd to finalise our application for charitable status. The relevant decisions come up on the agenda of the Board meeting.

 

 

 

My current term of office as independent Chair of the IWF is the second and last as provided in the organisation’s constitution. The term will conclude on 31 December 2005.

 

Clearly the appointment of a new Chair is an important matter that will affect the leadership and image of the organisation. Therefore it will be important for the IWF to be clear about the kind of role to be fulfilled and the kind of person it wants to take on that role.

 

Following consultation with the Chief Executive and discussion at the Executive Committee, I have drawn up suggestions for a timetable for the selection and appointment of my successor. I seek endorsement of this timetable by the Board.

 

 

25 January 2005

 

Board to establish a joint working party made up of three non-industry Board members (including the non-industry Vice-chair) and three Funding Council members (including the industry Vice-chair) to discuss the role of the new Chair and then prepare a job description and person specification.

 

Early July 2005

Appointment and briefing of recruitment consultants.

 

19 July 2005        

Board to approve text of job description, person specification and media advertisement and to appoint the two Board members of the selection panel (it is suggested that the industry member of the panel should be its chair).

 

Late July/August 2005

The two Board members of the panel to agree and approach an independent member of the panel.

 

Late August 2005

Advertisement to be placed in media.

 

Mid September 2005

Closing date for applications.

 

Late September 2005

Short-listing of applicants by selection panel.

 

Mid October 2005

Panel to interview short-listed candidates.

 

1 November 2005

Board to approve panel recommendation on successful candidate.

 

November/December 2005

Induction process for the new Chair.

 

1 January 2006

New Chair to take office.

 

 

 

 

ROGER DARLINGTON

17 January 2005