Business Plan


INTRODUCTION:

The Building Officials' Association of British Columbia (formerly BIABC) was established in 1951 with the objective of providing a representative organization for building officials interested in the safe construction of buildings and structures within the building environment. The introduction of a new Building Officials' Association Act, the direction recommended in the Options for Renewal, Safety Systems Review and Barrett Commission Inquiry towards greater professionalism in the municipal public service, replacement of the Building Standards Branch with the Building Policy Branch, have cumulatively impacted on the BOABC and brought about numerous changes to the organization. A Corporate and Business Plan provides a further evolutionary step in enabling the Association to respond to the needs of its members as well as to enhance its presence among the community of Associations dealing with public safety in British Columbia.

The 2001-2005 Business Plan was premised on the existence of a pro-active Building Standards Branch in providing advisory and education services. With the demise of the Branch in 1997 and creation of the Building Policy Section, the Building Officials' Association has been required to take on a larger role with respect to code education and interpretation. The steps identified in the Business Plan will provide us with an organizational structure which will enable us to effectively deal with a constantly changing regulatory environment.

The Association has a current membership comprised of principally government members (municipal building officials), also associate members, life members and student members. Membership fees (levied on an annual basis) are as shown on Figure 1. The current Executive Committee is made up of 16 officers, including a President, three Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, Past president and nine Directors who represent seven regional zones. Under the Provisions of the Building Officials' Association Act, the Province may appoint up to four non-members to the Executive.

The BOABC Head Office is located in Richmond and the business address is:

Suite #205- 3740 Chatham Street
Richmond B.C. - V7E 2Z3
With a direct BOABC Telephone number of (604) 270-9516.


Figure 1: Building Officials' Association of B.C.
2010 Membership Fees [approved April 27, 2010]

FEES:


Figure 2: B.O.A.B.C. Organizational Structure

EXECUTIVE:

STANDING COMMITTEES

The process of developing a Business Plan originally involved the collection and review of background documents, i.e. budgets, minutes, constitution, President's reports, conference agendas, certification and education programs, as well as membership surveys.

The results of the development process were conclusive. There is a need to continue to re-evaluate the organization structure to effectively deal with a changing regulatory environment and to re-define our image as a professional organization to respond to the demands of the public, the building industry, Municipal Councils and the Provincial Government. Improved communication is necessary to address the remoteness which exists between the Association and Zone membership and to convey program activities or agenda and delivery of education and certification programs.

Membership Input

The contents of this report are the result of input received directly from members, both through discussions and workshops at recent Annual Conferences, and through their zone representation on the Executive Committee. All of the various comments and ideas which were expressed for improvement of the Association have been carefully considered by the Executive, with the assistance from the Executive Director of this Association.

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CORPORATE STRATEGY AND BUSINESS PLAN

Mission Statement:

Building Officials are committed to serving the public interest in building safety, health and welfare by advancing high standards of building official practice through the professional competence of its members.

Summary of Key Elements:

The strategy and plan establishes goals, targets and associated costs and revenues for a five year period.
The objective of the Building Officials' Association of B.C. is to provide a representative organization for building officials and others interested in the safe construction of buildings and structures. A Business Plan will provide the structure and guidance to enable the Association to respond to the needs of its members, as well as to enhance its presence among the community of Associations dealing with public safety in British Columbia. The key elements of the plan are as follows:

The implementation of the Plan may result in changes to the organization and its zones. The Plan does not address all of the desires and needs of the organization recognizing that a balance must be struck between the cost of administration and services to the range of services that could be provided with unlimited resources.

The balance of the report is structured into specific components comprising of a goal, targets and costs/revenues. A summary table of consolidated costs and revenue is provided at the end of the report.

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1.0 CORPORATE STRUCTURE

Goal

To develop an effective corporate structure.

Targets

1. The size of the Executive Committee to be expanded, as deemed necessary, to meet the needs of the members of BOABC.

2. Restructure existing Standing Committees and provide for the appointment of a Zone Director to each Standing Committee, except for Nominations Committee which is chaired by Past President and members appointed by the President. The Committees would be:

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2.0 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Goal

To maintain operational policies and procedures for the Association.

Targets

1. Update policy manual detailing operational policies and procedures of the Association.

To be completed by the Office Administrator.

2. Create consistent format for preparation of minutes and include Action column. Attach items reference in minutes.

To be completed by Secretary.

3. Review voting structure and consider inclusion of policy regarding use of proxy, mail-in and e-mail ballot voting for elections and bylaw changes.

To be reviewed by Executive Committee, Staff and Zone Representatives.

Note: All policies and procedures developed require Executive Committee approval.

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3.0 ASSOCIATION HEAD OFFICE AND ADMINISTRATION

Goal

To retain the Association head office in a central and accessible location.

Targets

1. Establish space requirements for association needs, office equipment with provisions for records and storage space giving consideration for long term growth.

2. Explore the potential for cost sharing of services with other Associations, such as POABC and UBCM.

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4.0 CERTIFICATION & EXAMINATION

Goal

To develop a Certification program that recognizes professional development and achievement of an individual in their understanding and administration of building regulations.   CPD Program in place.

Targets

1. Complete current initiatives to creating formal standards for reciprocal recognition of qualifications (equivalency testing), examination procedures and fees.

Certification and Examination Committees to complete.

2. To complete initiative of creating computer generated certification examinations and computer marking for all levels.  Completed.

3. To develop a formal grievance (appeal) process for Examination candidates.  Policy in place.

4. To expand examination sittings available to other Associations and others interested in obtaining a recognized level of code knowledge.

  Examination Committee to complete.

5. To promote the Title created to recognize Associate members, which successfully pass BOABC code qualification requirements as Building Code Qualified.  BCQ Title in place.

6. To ensure that the provision of efficient feedback to examination candidates regarding their performance and possible areas requiring further study.

7. To continue to explore ways to integrate Certification program with Education Strategy and use of Title.

8. To retain current procedures and a committee of five to eight people that will be capable of setting, maintaining and dealing with questions regarding Certification examinations.  Examination Committee Created.

9. Maintain and refine the newly created computer inventory of the status of all members with respect to certification and qualifications.  Membership Database is in place.

10. Develop a process to recognize other certification programs in Canada and internationally or portions thereof as equivalent, where appropriate.

President, Certification Committee and staff to complete.

11. Retain a schedule of Certification examination dates based on at least two examinations per year, per zone, and publish the dates on the BOABC website.

Office Administrator to complete schedule and have published on the website.

12. To expand the Certification examination content and education course material to include Legal Processes, Responsibilities, and Administration.

Certification Committee, Examination Committee and Education Coordinator to develop.

13. Continue to support within financial capability, the establishment of a recognized base National Certification and Education program through the Alliance of Canadian Building Officials' Associations (ACBOA) and reciprocal recognition of Certification with Building Officials' Associations of other Provinces.

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5.0 LEGISLATED RECOGNITION & CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES

Goal

To pursue the recognition of the role of the Building Official as a profession. To promote and support legislative changes to recognize the Association as the sole provider of Education and Certification in British Columbia to those involved with administering the Provincial Building Code on behalf of the Local Government.

Targets

1. To pursue Provincial legislation requiring Certification by BOABC for any person undertaking building inspections or plan review for or on behalf of Local Government.

This is of critical importance to the long term health of the profession. To be completed by Administration, Executive and Sub-Committee, established by the President.

2. To promote and support Provincial legislative changes to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the Building Official and other participants in the built environment.

3. To promote and support Provincial legislative changes to require local government provide a specified minimum level of regulatory permitting and inspection services throughout B.C.

4. To promote and support Provincial legislative changes to the Joint & Several liability legislation to ensure local government are protected to the extent defined within their scope of responsibility.

5. To promote and support Provincial legislative changes to protect Building Officials from discipline or dismissal for the completion of their duties as defined in applicable regulations and within their Code of Ethics.

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6.0 MEMBERSHIP FEES

Goal

To establish membership fees reflective of a professional Association, based on providing for the needs of the members and on individual memberships.

Targets

1. Continue fee collection on an individual basis.

2. Regular and Associate 1 Members:
Review need to increase fees structure per annum to $250.00 Incl. GST in 2008. If increased this generates approximately $131,250.00 from Regular and Associate Membership Dues based on 525 members.

Membership Dues increased $75.00 per year for three years starting April 1, 2010.  Approved at a special general meeting in November 2009.

3. Associate 2 & 3 Members:
Review need to increase fees structure per annum to $250.00 Incl. GST in 2008. If increased this generate approximately $31,250.00 from Associate 2 & 3 Membership Dues based on 125 members. 

Approved at the April 27, 2010 AGM in Nanaimo, BC.

4. Student Members:
Continue membership recruitment at college/university/institute level for student membership category. Student fees to be $50.00 starting in 2008 resulting in approximately $1,250.00 revenue based on 25 members.

2007 AGM approved $35 plus GST for 2008-09 fiscal year.

5. Further develop and refine the criteria established to obtain and for the use of the designated titles Registered Building Official and Building Code Qualified.

Titles have been created. Membership, Certification, and Education Committees to further refine criteria for use.

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7.0 MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

Goal

To provide a level of service which fosters professional and technical competence and appropriate support services to members.

Targets

1. Maintain the decisions of the Interpretation Committee re: Code/Act interpretations on the BOABC Web site.

2. Maintain Code review function as well as watch-dog function on new code legislation impacting on building officials and other code users.

3. Maintain and distribute a BOABC membership information kit to potential members informing them of the services offered by BOABC.

4. Maintain existing Web Site for BOABC and explore options to sell advertising .

5. Continue to expand level of member services provided as revenues permit or on a user fee basis. Such services may include, but not be limited to, the following:

6. Develop criteria for the recognition of members who show exemplary dedication and extensive contribution to BOABC.

Beginning in 2007 at $500 per year. Awards or certificates of appreciation to be completed by Membership Services Committee.

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8.0 EDUCATION SERVICES

Goal

To establish a program of course delivery in cooperation with the Provincial Government to become the delivery agent for building regulation education for building officials across British Columbia and the Yukon.

Targets

1. Develop computerized training systems. Provide service on user fee basis.

2. Institute quality control program for course instructors/facilitators and trouble shooting of course administration.

To be determined by the Education Committee and staff.

3. To compliment the Education Strategy and the Examination/Certification Program, conduct examinations of students upon course completion and coordinate with Provincial Government for mutual endorsement of successful completion of course.

4. Co-ordinate with, and offer courses regionally within Zones and incorporate yearly course schedule as part of the electronic Newsletter, Web page and Internet.

5. Investigate particular training or educational needs of senior Building Officials/Administrators. Develop catalogue of relevant courses available through other associations or institutions of benefit to building officials.

Training Survey conducted and mailed with Dues Invoices to determine educational needs geographically with the Province, February 2010.

6. Develop a Level 1, 2 & 3 education and training program by the year 2007/08. Completed.

Pursue role on community/technical college Educational Advisory Committees, particularly with respect to post-diploma programs. Establish a role & presence in the design, development & delivery of community/technical college courses oriented to the graduation of Building Officials.

To be completed by the Education Committee.

7. Maintain a records inventory of courses successfully completed on a per member basis.  Recorded in the CPD Program Database.

8. Cooperate and coordinate delivery of courses with other agencies such as: CHBA, AIBC, ASTTBC, APEGBC, etc.

To be completed by Education Committee and staff.

9. Establish technical, training materials and other subjects of interest to building officials and other code users such as APEGBC, AIBC and CHBA on the BOABC website.

10. Complete the development of courses based on model courses from the Province of Ontario that includes a train the facilitator course, legal processes and responsibilities and administration of the building code act. As well as technical courses covering Part 9 and Part 3.

11. Maintain and publicize a list of active facilitators recognized by BOABC.  Completed.

12. Establish a system to provide accreditation for courses from other Associations and agencies that are equivalent to BOABC courses.

Ongoing by Education and Certification Committees.

13. Develop & implement a maintenance program to ensure that all members maintain a current level of code, construction and regulatory knowledge to retain use of Titles.  CPD Program in place.

14. Support within the financial capability of the Association, the efforts of the Alliance of Canadian Building Officials' Associations to create a National base Building Code course curriculum for Building Officials.  Completed and annual support provided by Dues paid to ACBOA.

15. Develop course curriculum in co-ordination with Certification program and Title use.  Completed and ongoing.

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9.0 ZONE LIAISON

Goal

Improve communication and working relationship with zones.

Targets

1. Provide a visit to each zone at least once every three years by a Board member and/or the Executive Director and Education Coordinator.

2. Create new or revise existing zone boundaries as needed and where appropriate.

To be an issue of ongoing review by the Board of Directors with Zone Representatives.

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10.0 NEWSLETTER & WEBSITE

Goal

To retain an Electronic Newsletter and Website as principle means of communication of Association business, a marketing tool for the promotion of the Building Official profession.

Targets

1. Review the publication schedule to achieve maximum exposure and coordinate with the business of the Association.

2. Maintain the delivery of a quality electronic newsletter and website as integral to providing information to the members and as a marketing tool for the Association.

3. Increase depth and variety of content to consider:

4. Move electronic newsletter and website towards self sustaining by 2007.  Completed.

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11.0 PROMOTION

Goal

To enhance the profile of the Association by publicizing its aims and objectives to the public, Municipal Councils, Provincial Government and to other Associations.

Targets

1. Maintain introductory material on the Website outlining the purpose of building regulations and the role of the Building Official and the Building department, to new Local Government and Provincial Government politicians and the public.

2. Maintain material on the Website outlining the purpose of the Association, its Zones, types of programs and services, membership requirements, and Certification process and objectives. Make brochure available to community colleges, universities, to the building industry and to municipal and Provincial Government.

To be completed by the Office Administrator.

3. Produce annual report and membership directory.

Annual Report to be completed by Secretary and Staff for distribution at the AGM and membership directory to be completed by the Office Administrator and posted on the BOABC website.

4. Continue to support the delivery of joint education with the Plumbing Officials' Association of B.C.

5. Advertise names of new Executive at completion of elections on the BOABC website.

To be completed by the Office Administrator.

6. Review means to renew promotion and involvement with Building Regulations (safety) awareness week.

To be completed by Membership Services Committee.

7. Profile Association members who are recognized for special achievements, dedication, etc. on the Electronic Newsletter and website.

To be completed by the Office Administrator.

8. Broaden advertising for annual conference and annual workshop. Target specific groups, i.e. builders, architects, Engineers, Designers, Building owners, etc.

To be completed by Staff and Conference Committee.

9. Maintain and further develop promotional materials for Association with the goal of limited range of products but consistent high quality and long term availability.

To be completed by Membership services Committee.

10. Broaden affiliation with other organizations through membership, trading of Newsletters, invitations to attend conferences, etc.

To be completed by Executive Committee and staff.

11. Issue press releases on selective topics of benefit to the promotion of the Association and its programs, services or achievements.

To be completed by the President, Executive Director and Office Administrator.

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12.0 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Goal

To provide a quality education program combined with the opportunity for members to both be informed of and participate in the business affairs of the Association.

Targets

1. Continue to promote, expand and maintain an increased trade show component.

To be completed by the Conference Committee and staff.

2. Broaden agenda to include topics with appeal to building industry, to Municipal politicians, to other associations with similar aims and objectives or overlapping objectives to the BOABC. Include topics of interest to all municipalities.

To be completed by the Conference Committee and staff.

3. Rotate location of conference to maximize access by all regions in British Columbia & Yukon providing area can accommodate conference requirements. Decide location of conferences three years in advance.

To be completed by Conference Committee and reviewed by the Executive Committee. Need to review continuing viability of holding conferences in smaller Cities.

4. Create separate Annual Conference and Education Workshop manuals outlining the requirements and procedures for operating these events conference.

To be completed by Conference Committee and staff.

5. Develop theme oriented conference agendas where appropriate.

To be completed by Conference Committee and reviewed by the Executive Committee.

6. Publish proceedings of conference on the BOABC website.

To be completed by the Conference Committee and staff.

7. Review the need to establish a Core Standing Conference Committee to handle the organization of each conference.

8. Develop promotion package for Council of the municipality hosting the conference. Provide information to local media/publications of conference details.

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Appendix A - Completed Items:

Appendix A outlines those items or decisions which have had a major impact on the Association and its members and which have provided the framework for the directions identified in the Business Plan since its creation in 1996.

1.0 Corporate Structure

1. A Succession Planning Committee was formed in the fall of 1998 to review the existing structure of the Executive Committee and other Association Committees. The work of this Committee resulted in a Notice of Motion at the 1999 AGM to stagger the Terms of Office of the Executive Members.

2. Meetings were held with UBCM in 1998 to explore the transfer of additional administration responsibilities to UBCM. This was part of the process to develop a Terms of Reference for the position of Administration Executive. An Executive Director was hired in 2002. In 2007 a stand alone BOABC office was established in Richmond and a part-time office clerk and education coordinator were hired.

2.0 Policies & Procedures

1. A Policy manual was developed and completed in 2005. This document must be continually updated as policies change and as policies are added or deleted. A Conference Manual was developed in 2007.

2. An established numbering format has been developed for Agendas and Minutes. Action by column is now included in the Minutes and all pertinent referenced items are attached for reference.

3.0 Association Head Office and Administration

1. In 1995, the relocation of the BOABC Head Office to the facilities of UBCM was completed. A stand-alone office in Richmond was established and staffed in 2007.  A complete update of all BOABC database records was conducted in 2009.  This is an ongoing process.

2. A budget process was established in 2004 which requires each Executive member to submit an annual estimate of anticipated expenses and revenues for his/her area of responsibility.

3. The financial accounting and reporting procedures now includes a breakdown of all areas of responsibility relative to revenues and expenditures. Each revenue received or the account number must accompany request for payment of an invoice.

4. Bookkeeping services was contracted to a bookkeeper in 2007 as part of the establishment of the new office.

4.0 Certification

1. The format for examination sittings has been formalized and expanded to respond to the needs and demands of the members. An examination schedule with dates and locations is developed on a yearly basis with at least two sittings per year per zone. This is now published on the Web site.

2. The format to return comments to examination candidates has been refined to provide sufficient information for the candidate to understand areas which require further study.

3. A Committee is pursuing the reciprocal recognition of other Provincial Certification programs in concert with the Alliance of Canadian Building Officials' Associations. The Agreement to establish reciprocal recognition with ACBOA provincial members was signed in 2007 with BOABC members eligible for National Certification status.

5.0 Legislated Recognition & Constitutional Changes

1. Association Bylaws were revised to be consistent with the Building Officials' Association Act. The new Bylaws were adopted in 1998 December.  Bylaw updates continue as needed.

2. Recognition and use of the registered Title. A Registered Building Official (RBO) is now contained within the Building Officials' Association Act.

3. The Building Officials' Association Act received Royal assent on 1997 July 23 and came into force on 1998 December 01.

4. Discipline and Complaints Committees were established in 1999 in compliance with the Act and Bylaws.

5. In 1995, the name of the Association was changed from Building Inspectors Association of B.C. to Building Officials' Association of B.C.

6.0 Membership Services:

1. A student membership category was created in 1998.

2. Completed the information/marketing brochure " Building Safety For The People of British Columbia" in 1997 and updated in 1999, 2005 and 2007.

3. Basic Web site was developed in 1998 with the assistance of the Regional Permits & Licenses Committee. Further refinements made in 2003, 2008 and is ongoing.

4. A new BOABC logo was developed initially for pins and promotional materials. New logo was adopted for use in letterhead in 2005.

5. A procedure outline was developed for the conducting of elections.

7.0 Education Services

1. Received acknowledgment from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing that BOABC would be recognized as the provider of Building Code education in the Province of B.C.

2. A 'Strategic Education Strategy Plan' in 1996 was presented to the Minister of Municipal affairs and Housing. This plan has also been updated to reflect changes.

3. Received funding in the total amount of $50,000.00 over three years from the Province to implement the BOABC Education Strategy Plan through the purchase of Ontario course materials. Material was revised to the new BCBC in 2007.

4. The Ontario course 'Part 9 The House' was converted to the B.C. Building Code and BOABC members were trained as facilitators in 1995. Agreements were made to offer the course to CHBA members along with the BOABC examination.

5. Joint committee with AIBC, APEGBC, POABC and the Fire Commission was established to create workshop material and presentation on the new 1998 B.C. Building Code, including Plumbing and the new Fire Code.

9.0 Newsletter

1. Established an electronic newsletter, which is, published a minimum of three times per year with a consistent high quality.

11.0 Promotion

1. BOABC is an active participant in the development of the Business plan ACBOA to improve the recognition of Building Officials on a National basis and to provide a unified voice for building officials on national issues affecting them.