ON BOARD
This Philosopher-in-Residence has always believed in a fair wage, for a fair day’s work. That’s one of the reasons why Make Me A Plan has been a Foundation Living Wage employer since Day 1.
Recently, I’ve been brow-furrowing about remuneration for things that aren’t jobs. I’m not talking about the gig economy or zero hours contracts for casual work here (which definitely are jobs and should entail all of those benefits and confinements of any other job).
Rather, I’m talking about things like Board and committee roles. I often browse these to see if there are any interesting community or commercial vacancies that I might enjoy and enhance. For me personally, I’m happy to volunteer my time for a “backseat” type vacancy, ie occasional meetings and no special responsibilities or significant time commitment.
The instance that prompted this blog topic was when I saw a vacancy for the Chair of a major university, which didn’t have any kind of stipend attached in recognition of what I imagine is a very senior commitment entailing multiple days a week. For me, this crosses the boundary of providing a valuable opportunity into a role that would now clearly only be open to the financially independent. The university in question, and other organisations that expect multiple days a month of skilful input for no compensation, fall outside the spirit of both the concept of volunteering and the real Living Wage, in my opinion.
But what do you think? I’m really interested to hear your lived experiences and also what barriers you perceive to wide participation at Board and committee level. Message or comment on our social media or email planplease@makemeaplan.com.
Next fortnight, I’ll be musing On Permission. I hope you’ll allow yourself the time to join me.
Please get in touch with any particular aspects of this subject you’d like me to write about.
In the meantime,
Happy Planning
PS If you want some other free tips for your business life, check out the Working Well blog – out fortnightly on Wednesdays, courtesy of Make Me A Plan’s Productivity Expert, Penny Le Kelly. Browse the latest edition here:
