SAUNDERS and Pitt director and valuer Joe Stansfield is one of the candidates seeking to be elected to the board of the Australian Property Institute (API).
Australian Property Journal spoke to Stansfield to find out why he is seeking to be elected to the API board.
Stansfield said the API needs grow as a professional body, not just in valuation but other professions.
He added that being a younger member and from Tasmania, he also brings diversity to the board.
Stansfield said he wants property professionals to see the API as their representative body even if they are not a practising valuer.
Stansfield said needs to embrace new learning modules because its role is to serve members and the Institute needs to get better at doing that.
- What is your interest to come on board with the Australian Property Institute?
I have had a keen interest in the organisation since I joined and became an associate in 2010, along with a member of the then Tasmanian Divisional Council shortly after. I have since sat on a number of committees, including the Australian Property Standards Committee which I currently chair, and was elected as a director in 2016.
I continue to have a strong desire to contribute to the future of the organisation and the profession, and feel that the best way for me to do that is to serve another term on the board. This will allow continuity and an opportunity for me to ensure that the API remains relevant and offers a home for property professionals throughout Australia.
- What financial experience or expertise do you bring to the API?
I am a partner in a state-wide valuation business in Tasmania which requires an understanding of financials and budgeting.
I have also learnt a lot about financials in the NFP sector during my time on the API board, and continue to engage on issues which arise. I have undertaken some AICD training and also seek mentoring and guidance from senior financial experts when required.
- What governance experience do you bring to the API?
My governance experience has been largely limited to witnessing, and being involved in over the past 2 years, the transformation of the API in recent times. This experience has exposed me to all facets of corporate governance, both the good and the bad. In my opinion, my understanding of governance is at a level where I can have robust discussions and understand deficiencies when they are present.
- What strategic planning experience do you bring to the API?
As a small business owner, I understand the need for strategic planning, with a view not only on the short term, but also the medium and long term. I feel that this is vitally important to the API in the current industry landscape and have a strong view that the API needs to provide a home and direction for the next generation of property professionals. Further, I am fully aware that the role of a director is to provide the strategic framework for the organisation, and not be actively involved in the day-to-day business.
- To further pursue API’s strategic direction, it would be of great benefit if prospective Directors could contribute advocacy, policy and/or digital communications experience to the Board. What is your experience in one or more of these areas?
I am able to contribute to advocacy through contacts I have in both the current Tasmanian state and Federal governments. These links sit across a number of portfolios including finance and housing.
Further, given my age bracket (sub 35), I grew up in the digital age and have a strong understanding when it comes to digital communications. Although I am not an expert in the area, I am able to discuss the topic with experts with a reasonably deep level of understanding. Further, I understand the positives and negatives of the medium and that a well thought-out strategy is required for effective communication in the digital age.
Whilst not having had personal experience in policy setting outside of the API or small business, I do have a very clear view on the direction of the API. This view is firmly towards the future, and I believe that any policy the API does set needs to ensure, to the best of its ability, that this policy aids property professionals of the future.
- In general, what can you bring to the API and why should members elect you?
I am a keen learner and am not afraid to question the status quo. I am not engaged in the politics which has, in the past, hamstrung the API (and other similar organisations) and will continue to make decisions which, in my opinion, are in the best interest of the future of the property profession and associated industries.
Having served two years on the board to date, I feel I now have a strong understanding of the organisation and what is required in the short to medium term. Further, in my opinion, it is paramount that we have this continuity to ensure that the change we have enacted in the past 3-5 years is not lost. This change is vital for the profession and the API.
Online voting is now open until 23:59 AEST on Thursday 17 May 2018. Members are encouraged to register and vote at https://www.api.org.au/news/meet-candidates-2018-api-board-elections
Australian Property Journal
