THE Australian Property Institute is holding its 2020 National Board election. The API is urging members to cast their vote and help shape the future of the Institute. Joe Stansfield is one of the candidates seeking to be elected to the national board of the API.
- What is your interest to come on board with the Australian Property Institute?
In 2016 I nominated for the National Board following the restructuring of the API and was successful in the election. I was a member of the board for two years, however was unsuccessful in re-election in 2018. Since that time, I have continued to have a desire and passion to contribute to the API, and have also contributed through the State Committee and national standards committees.
I firmly believe that the API needs to have a representation which reflects its entire membership base. This diversity needs to include aspects such as location and business background. In my opinion, the Board is currently lacking in regional and small-medium sized business representation, which I am of the opinion is critical if the organisation is to lead the property industry and represent its membership base. As long as the Board does not appear to have this representation, I will continue advocate and push for it to occur.
- What financial experience or expertise do you bring to the API?
- What governance experience do you bring to the API?
Over the past five years I have significantly improved my competencies in both of these areas, noting that my role as a small business has required active management of budgeting across all facets of the organisation. This has also included HR Management.
Further, my understanding of Governance and how it applies to an organisation is now well rounded, having gone through:
The implementation of comprehensive Governance procedures and policies at the API during my previous term on the National Board
The implementation of policies and procedures at a small firm so as to be able to continue to undertake work for major clients (financial institutions and government bodies). More recently, this has included moving towards alignment with ISO27001 and policies to ensure business continuity in the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- What strategic planning experience do you bring to the API?
Over the past 5-years, I have been a director of a small business which has doubled in size to provide state-wide valuation services across Tasmania. We have achieved this whilst remaining the last independently owned, local valuation firm in Tasmania. The firm continues to service the major financial institutions; local, State and Federal government agencies; and a wide range of private clients including large corporations.
This has required extensive strategic planning to ensure that the firm continues to meet its ongoing professional, regulatory and legal commitments; including privacy and IT Security. This was, and continues to be achieved, achieved through long term strategic planning, supported by short and medium term milestone and regular review of the goals and outcomes.
- 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?
Throughout my career I have been active within the API and wider business and government community, particularly within Tasmania. I have a strong network of connections across a number of fields including Government, with previous assistance provided to the API on matters which have directly affected its members.
I also have a competent understanding of policies and standards, and note that I continue to be involved within the API in the drafting and review of technical and guidance advice to members.
- In general, what can you bring to the API and why should members elect you?
I would like to continue my contribution to the API and feel that by continuing to represent the institute at a national level I can achieve this. The change process that the institute has embarked on is progressing and I have the desire to continue to assist in that process through a second term as a board member.
I am also of the strong opinion that the API, being a national organisation, needs to have representation which is reflective of its member base. This includes representation from major cities, regional areas and the smaller States such as Tasmania. Without this representation, there remains a substantial risk that those members from unrepresented areas, such as regional locations and Tasmania, will be left behind.
More information on the 2020 Election can be found at https://www.api.org.au/about/api-pty-ltd-board-governance/meet-the-candidates-2020-api-board-elections/
