[Draft] Oversight Committee Elections

OC Elections 

The elected chairs are responsible for leading our working groups (WGs), which includes maintaining governance, defining strategy, and upholding our Code of Conduct. They also oversee the development of projects and mentor team members. Each WG can have up to three co-chair appointments available. Both Steering and General members are eligible to become a chair.

Working Group Overview

The Steering Committee establishes Working Groups (WGs) to manage one or more projects. WGs are typically centred around a particular functional area, such as the Open Source Group, the Standards Group, the Policy Group, or the Community Group. Any output created by a WG intended for publication as a GSF deliverable must be ratified by the Steering Committee.

Term

Foundation member Chairs are appointed for a term of two years, subject to their organization's continued membership. If a Chair resigns before completing their term, an election process will be triggered to find a suitable replacement. to nominate a new Chair.

Call for nominations

A call for nominations is sent out to all GSF members to offer an opportunity to submit their names for consideration for a chair appointment. The existing chairs can submit their names for consideration to run for a second term.

1. If ≤ three names are nominated, they are elected unopposed; no voting occurs.

2. If > 4 names are nominated, it will trigger a vote*.

*Recommended tool OpaVote

Chair Role & Responsibilities

• The Chair has overall responsibility for the management of a WG.

• Chairs SHALL maintain strict impartiality and act in the foundation's interest in performing their tasks.

• Ensure the technical activities of the Group are progressed promptly following the processes and procedures of GSF.

• Organize and run the meetings following the processes and practices of the GSF.

• The work and progress of the Group are appropriately communicated to the SC through regular status reports.

• The Chair MAY delegate tasks to the co-chair, including chairing the Group as necessary.

• Facilitate discussion during the meeting, encouraging all members to participate in decision-making.

Chair Role Considerations:

• This role requires 2-3 hours per week, including chairing meetings, preparation time, and offline communications.

• WG Chairs must lead empathetically and create a welcoming space for technical and non-technical contributors. 

• WG Chairs represent the GSF, so they must ensure benefits are shared among all. 

Create an election timeline.

Nomination Process

To submit a candidature for a Working Group Chair position.

1.  Click here to Submit Chair Nomination (You may self-nominate for these positions. The nomination must contain the following information)

2. Include the following information.

   1. The candidate's name and company

   2. identify if it is a self-nomination or the nomination of somebody else

   3. NOTE: The use of GSF email lists shall not be permitted for any campaign purposes by candidates

Election Officers

The election officers for the WG election are Asim Hussain (GSF ED) and Sean McIlroy (GSF OD).

Voting

Each member organization is entitled to one vote at the Green Software Foundation. The official primary representative, or alternate if the primary is unavailable, will vote on their organisation's behalf. However, before the vote is cast, a popular vote will be conducted to determine the majority choice of the WG. The member organization will then be informed of the popular vote and can either cast their ballot in favour or vote independently.

Voting instructions

1. Any individual from a Steering or General level is entitled to vote.

2. Members are entitled to change their vote as often as they wish until the close of the ballot.

3. Go to the Recommended tool OpaVote to vote for the nominated WG Chair.

4. Select your preferred candidate. Working Group Chairs

Current Working Group Chairs

The following members are in post until December 2025;

Chair Support

Elected Chairs will receive a wide range of support in fulfilling their duties from their Group GSF Ops team, including their own Project Manager.