These resources aim to support consistent, transparent and accountable governance across the IFS Global Network.
They explain the respective roles of the Board, Executive Committee, rotating host office, staff team, regional networks and working groups. They should be read alongside the IFS Constitution and By-Laws, approved policies, delegations, Terms of Reference and formal Board decisions.
The documents are living guidance resources. Where any inconsistency arises, the Constitution, By-Laws, applicable law, approved policies, formal delegations and Board decisions take precedence.
IFS Network Governance Framework and Roles Guide
The IFS Network Governance Framework and Roles Guide explains how authority, oversight and operational responsibility are distributed across the global network.
The Guide covers:
- the rotating host-office model
- the roles of the Board and Executive Committee
- operational responsibilities of the host office
- the relationship between governance and staff operations
- decision-making and delegation
- urgent and time-sensitive decisions
- responsibilities of Board members and officeholders
- regional and working-group integration
- safeguarding, risk and ethical leadership
- accountability, succession and continuous improvement
- standards of conduct
- decision and escalation pathways
View the Governance Framework and Roles Guide
IFS Network Groups Operating Guideline
The IFS Network Groups Operating Guideline provides practical guidance for establishing and operating regional networks and working groups across IFS.
The Guideline covers:
- formation and approval of groups
- Terms of Reference
- leadership, elections and succession
- roles and responsibilities
- authority and delegations
- decision-making and quorum
- membership and onboarding
- meetings and communications
- accessibility and inclusion
- work planning and reporting
- partnerships and resource use
- privacy, safeguarding and risk
- knowledge management and archiving
- leadership handover
- alignment with the IFS Strategic Plan
It also includes adaptable templates for:
- meeting agendas
- meeting minutes
- quarterly reports
- annual impact summaries
- partnership requests
- leadership handovers
- risk and incident responses
View the Network Groups Operating Guideline
How the Documents Work Together
The Governance Framework and Roles Guide explains the overall governance system and the respective roles of the Board, Executive Committee, host office, staff and network groups.
The Network Groups Operating Guideline provides detailed practical guidance for regional networks and working groups operating within that governance system.
Regional and working-group leaders should begin with the Governance Framework, then use the Operating Guideline when establishing their Terms of Reference, meeting arrangements, work plans, reports and leadership handovers.
Using These Documents
The By-Laws and incorporation papers establish the formal legal and governance foundations of IFS.
The Strategic Plan guides the Federation’s priorities and organisational development.
The Governance Framework explains the respective roles and decision-making responsibilities of the Board, Executive Committee, host office and network groups.
The Network Groups Operating Guideline provides practical guidance and templates for regional networks and working groups operating within that framework.
Where any inconsistency arises, the By-Laws, applicable law, approved policies, formal delegations and Board decisions take precedence.
