I shall probably get into trouble for this, but I know many agree that not enough thought goes into the recruiting of trustees or non-executive directors for zoos and similar organisations.
This is a very serious role to take on. In the UK at least trustees (Council members) are ultimately responsible for the financial wellbeing, ethical delivery and strategic direction of the zoo. Yet often, Councils are run like amateur private members clubs with friends of friends being the only supply of new trustees. Some zoos have no rule as to the longevity of a trusteeship. Some make no attempt at a skills analysis to recruit future trustees. Frequently Council members are confused between their strategic role and operational matters , and try to interfere in the latter. Council members can even exhibit an alarmingly muddled understanding of the very concept of a charity .
My view as to the qualifications for a zoo trustee is pretty simple. Yes, we need a mix of skills and backgrounds. Howver 100% of the candidates have to some kind experience as to organisational strategy. If they don’t, they don’t qualify, irrespective of their luminous achievements in any other field (including the scientific and medical fields, which some zoos seem obssessed with)
In 1952, Albert Einstein, the very acme of scientific prestige,and byword for human achievement in any form, was offered the role of first Presidency of the new State of Israel. Knowing he had no political or organisational experience, he declined.
Wise man!
Now, someone must disagree with this….?
John
1 Comment
July 7, 2007 at 6:33 am
I LIFE IN MALWALA DO YOU NO WERY A ZOO IS IN MALWALA IF YOU DO NO CAN YOU PLEY