The GRLI operates with an adaptive purpose-driven organisational framework which continues to evolve as the work of the GRLI Community develops and changes. This philosophy is embodied in the GRLI’s organising structures and in its governance model.
As an entity advocating that leaders everywhere should behave in a globally responsible way, it is important that the GRLI practices appropriate transparency and accountability in its dealings with a wide range of stakeholders.
The GRLI’s work since its foundation has relied on a relational and partnership approach which is also reflected in its unique governance model.
Two living documents, the Governance Framework and Guardian Group Terms of Reference, are meant to assist the Board and Guardian group (as Council representatives) in their governing role. These are updated on an ongoing basis as our work and role evolves. They represent the GRLI’s statement of its position on corporate governance at any point in time.
Full institutional partners are at the heart of the GRLI and constitute the Council of Partners. The Board is legally and financially responsible for the GRLI Foundation. The Support Centre runs the operation of the GRLI Foundation and supports coordination of the GRLI. The Guardian Group works, on behalf of the Council of Partners and with the Support Centre and the Board to uphold the vision, mission and operating ethos of the GRLI and to ensure all three elements are actively supported, acted upon and visible in the GRLI and in all related activity.
The Guardian Group operates within and helps uphold the overarching values, vision, mission and guiding principles that apply to all Partners. As Guardians of the GRLI representing the entire Council of Partners (not only their respective Institutions) the Group also agrees to work:
The GRLI is governed legally as a Foundation established under Belgian law. The board of the Foundation has primarily a fiduciary responsibility relating to the proper management of resources entrusted to the community and the functioning of the Support Centre.
The GRLI Centre comprises the Executive Director and a small team of part-time and volunteer staff. The Centre has the responsibility to monitor, act on, coordinate and see that GRLI’s work is being executed in an ethical, efficient and effective manner by resources internal or external to the GRLI community. The Finance administration is provided by EFMD Brussels.
To do this, the Centre endeavours to provide enabling servant-leadership to the community. This approach is not the traditional logic of a member-organisation where the organisation primarily exists to deliver a service to the members. The GRLI is a community of Partners and Associates and as such the focus of the Centre is on the vision and mission of the GRLI as a global community where responsible action is led by committed partners and allies.
The Advisors Group consists of appointed individuals that are deeply connected to the discourse and practice of Global Responsibility or have significant institutional memory of the work of GRLI and relationships with the diverse constituents of the Global Responsibility movement. Members of the Advisors Group fully and demonstrably support the work of the GRLI and align with its agreed direction and strategy.
