The USU has five Specialist Committees to advise the Board on matters with an element of commercial, financial or legal risk. These Committees and their responsibilities are outlined under section 6 of the USU’s Regulations and Directors’ Duty Statements, except the Executive Committee, which is outlined in section 7.
Specialist Committees typically include external members - individuals who are experts in their fields who volunteer their time to provide advice and mentoring to the Board Directors.
The USU Regulations currently include five Specialist Committees:
• Executive Committee
• Finance Committee
• Remuneration Committee
• Electoral Committee
• Awards Committee
The Executive Committee meeting is held at least one week prior to the Board Meeting, primarily to review and discuss agenda items to be submitted to the Board Meeting.
The Executive Committee may also address day-to-day matters that are not necessary for the Board to address specifically, and other duties as outlined in section 2.2.1 USU’s Regulations and Directors Duties Statements.
The Executive Committee is chaired by the President, with the Vice President as Deputy Chair. The Honorary Treasurer and Honorary Secretary are also members of the Committee. The Committee invites key staff members to attend the meetings to report.
The Finance Committee was meets at least four times per year to monitor and advise Board on issues relating to the financial performance and sustainability of the University of sydney Union.
It performs this role by reviewing and evaluating information provided by management on the financial impact of strategic proposals, on budget and planning priorities, and on resource and capital allocation. The Committee has particular responsibility for reviewing major projects, systems and general administration.
The Finance Committee is chaired by an external member and has a non-Executive Director as its Deputy Chair. The Honorary Treasurer and the CEO provide advice and support to the Chair and Deputy Chair. Details on the members, conditions and particulars under the regulations are located under 7.2 of the USU's Regulations and Directors Duty Statements.
The Remuneration Committee advises the Board on matters associated with the CEO’s remuneration and the overall remuneration and wages policies for the USU, including any bonus scheme that may be in place.
The Remuneration Committee is chaired by an external member and the President is the Deputy Chair. The Honorary Treasurer and the Director of Operations provide advice and support to the Chair and Deputy Chair.
This Committee meets on an ad hoc basis, usually once or twice a year.
Details on the members, conditions and particulars under the regulations are located under section 7.3 of the USU’s Regulations and Directors Duties Statements.
The Electoral Committee advises the Board on matters relating to its electoral policies and any issues that arise during elections.
The Electoral Committee is chaired by the President with the Vice President as the Deputy. The CEO and Electoral Officer will provide advice and support to the Chair and Deputy Chair.
This Committee usually meets twice a year, once in February, prior to the opening of Nominations for Board, and again within two months following the date of the elections.
Details on the members, conditions and particulars under the regulations are located under section 7.4 of the USU’s Regulations and Directors Duties Statements.
The Awards Committee advises the Board on matters relating to the selection of recipients for prizes and grants, such as the Cultural Blue Awards and Honorary Life Membership, and will ratify the decisions of Selection Panels for all other USU grants and Awards.
The Awards Committee is chaired by an external Member. The Vice President and the Director of Student Programs will provide advice and support to the Chair.
This Committee meets at least four times a year, or more if necessary.
Details on the members, conditions and particulars under the regulations are located under section 7.5 of the USU’s Regulations and Directors Duties Statements.