DENNIS Volk is one of the candidates seeking to be elected to the national board of the Australian Property Institute (API).
Volk said he has seen the positive steps being taken by the current board and he would like to be part of this leadership group to shape the future of the API.
“The future of the property profession rests not only with our existing energetic and passionate professionals, but more importantly in future members, – those still at school, recently graduated from university and those in other careers, all of who have diverse, innovative and constructive views,” he said.
“I bring a passion for growth and development and I believe this is a key impact to the future of the API and our industry as a whole.
“I consider good governance comes out of creative, practical and robust discussions from a range of professional and geographical perspectives, this process ensuring all member opinions are heard no matter their location in Australia,” Volk said.
- What is your interest to come on board with the Australian Property Institute?
I am keenly interested to work with a progressive board that is focussed on the future and in making a tangible difference both to our profession, our members and its contribution to the broader community and business sector.
As Valuers and property professionals we have to start valuing ourselves and to understand and appreciate the importance of our professional services.
I am dedicated to;
- creating the best possible environment for you the member and our profession to succeed.
- understanding and addressing the real issues that hinder, frustrate and limit the ability of the members and our profession.
- increasing the profile and brand awareness of the API,
- maintaining high professional standards, and
- ensuring accountability in the administration of the API to maximise its effectiveness.
It is therefore very important for our members to have an industry body;
- with a depth and breadth of knowledge;
- being represented of all its members;
- being represented of all States;
- which will provide broad, relevant and sound assistance to its members, and
- whose reputation allows it to be a strong voice for its members to drive broader industry and public policy.
- What financial experience or expertise do you bring to the API?
I was a member of the API’s National Finance, Risk and Audit Committee in 2014 and 2015. In this role we oversaw the forward strategic planning undertaken through the Governance and Structural Review, positioning the framework for the API’s financial management, reporting, and governance changes.
Financial expertise outside the API includes involvement in the management and financial administration of a major international real estate company and in recent times the launch of a new valuation & consultancy businesses that required financial literacy and financial management skills.
- What governance experience do you bring to the API?
I served on the WA Divisional Council for 9 years, sitting as President over the period 2011 to 2013. I was chairman of the Marketing and Communication and Regional State Conference Committees of the API and
reappointed to the WA State Committee in October 2017.
I was also the Australian Property Institute (WA Division) appointed National Council Representative for the 12 month period ending May 2015, overseeing a period of significant structural change for the API, at both a National and State level.
With my government roles and board & committee service I am well versed and have demonstrated compliance with relevant legislation and standards.
- What strategic planning experience do you bring to the API?
Strategic planning for the future of the API between 2014 and 2017 was managed by the National Strategy and Governance Committee. This Committee oversaw planning for the future API and associated change planning. This committee was reportable to the National Council of which I was a representative. I have overseen the financial change management of the API as a member of the National Finance, Risk and Audit Committee as previously mentioned.
- 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 consider I possess a combination of knowledge, skills and attitudes utilised through technology, to perform tasks, solve problems, communicate, manage information, and to collaborate create and share content effectively and securely.
With regards advocacy and policy setting, work and life experience has instilled a need to be open-minded and a willingness to think outside the box and outcomes based/results driven.
During my roles on the Divisional Council and State Committee I have consistently provided commentary and feedback around various API policy documentation, my understanding and knowledge of the Institute would be of benefit in a Director position.
Communication, advocacy and policy setting are important elements of the API’s strategic direction, and growth. It is about taking the right action at the right time which I consider hinges on strong communication at all levels.
- In general, what can you bring to the API and why should members elect you?
The future of the property profession rests not only with our existing energetic and passionate professionals, but more importantly in future members, – those still at school, recently graduated from university and those in other careers, all of who have diverse, innovative and constructive views.
I bring a passion for growth and development and I believe this is a key impact to the future of the API and our industry as a whole.
I consider good governance comes out of creative, practical and robust discussions from a range of professional and geographical perspectives, this process ensuring all member opinions are heard no matter their location in Australia.
Please consider my application for a position on the API National board. I can see the positive steps being taken by the current board and I’d like to be part of this leadership group that will shape the future of the API but more importantly an API for you the member.
And in summary ‘Nothing changes if nothing changes’.
The Australian Property Institute (API) Board Elections will open on Thursday 18 July 2019 until 23:59 AEST on Sunday 28 July 2018.
The API has partnered with CorpVote to provide an online voting service. All eligible voting Members will receive emails from CorpVote with details of how-to login and vote.
