Hi The best way to solve this problem in the future is to ensure that the process for nominations & appointments to the board is transparent and fair. If the board is re-appointed annually (or on some other regular period) then it should be easy for the museums stakeholders (volunteers, staff, visitors, neighbours, members etc.) to find out when and how nominations should be made and the nature of the selection process if there are more nominations than places. If the museum has an annual report or a membership/volunteers newsletter then details can be publicised there (and/or in the local press). If board positions are filled on an irregular basis (e.g. when a board member retires), then vacancies should be announced and the procedures for application/nomination made clear. In both cases this does not preclude "headhunting" either formally or informally. Boards should seek appropriate professional advice when necessary - and this includes advice from the professionals they employ (their staff) as well as external advisers. Staff (whether paid or volunteer) should always have a mechanism for passing any concerns they have about the running of the institution on to the board - although the board don't have to take any notice. Trevor Reynolds Collections Registrar English Heritage, 1 Waterhouse Square, 138 Holborn, London EC1N 2ST Telephone +44 (0)20 7973 3482 -----Original Message----- From: Museum discussion list on behalf of HHSDIRECTOR Sent: Thu 09/08/2007 14:33 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: delicate board relationships Hello List serve, An ex-board member contacted me very upset that s/he had not been re-nominated to the board after a two year hiatus, during which s/he still attended board meetings and played a fairly active, though often contentious volunteer role. This board member rightly indicated that s/he didn't want me to solve the problem, just that they felt volunteers needed to be shown more appreciation. It's something I agree with wholeheartedly, though the tactic is a bit passive-aggressive. Not long after this note, another board member has e-mailed me and the president indicating that they would be willing to vacate their seat to keep the peace. I hope to be able to keep my distance, only offering soothing words where necessary. I already have enough to do keeping day to day business going. Advice from those who've successfully negotiated these shark-infested waters in the past would be greatly appreciated. ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). _________________________________________________________________________________ This e-mail (and any attachments) is confidential and may contain personal views which are not the views of English Heritage unless specifically stated. If you have received it in error, please delete it from your system and notify the sender immediately. Do not use, copy or disclose the information in any way nor act in reliance on it. Any information sent to English Heritage may become publicly available. ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).