TM Forum's Board sets the overall direction of TM Forum, so if you want to help steer the evolution of the world of operations and systems, it’s the place to be. We are seeking a small number of seasoned and senior executives with considerable industry influence to join the Board for 2008-2010.
Board participation is the best way to influence our forward direction. It also provides an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas with senior executives from a wide range of companies in a setting that encourages frank and in-depth discussion. If you would like to speak with current Board members to learn first-hand what their experiences have been, we will be happy to arrange that.
Frequently asked questions:
What time commitments do I have to make as a TM Forum Board Member?
The TM Forum board meets by teleconference 10-12 times a year. The calls typically run one to one and half hours. In addition, there are two / three full day face to face meetings coincident with Management World, and one full day face to face meeting for the strategic plan. Additionally, each member of the board is required to participate in one of the board committees, technical, nominating, finance, etc., and this would involve further monthly teleconference calls, plus time spent on any actions taken, feedback on reports etc. Each committee also meets face to face, coincident with Management World. If any board member were subsequently appointed to an Officer role, then there would be additional time commitments.
What are the responsibilities of a TMF Board Member?
The Board is responsible collectively for setting the strategic and tactical direction of the TM Forum. Board members participate in these discussions and are expected to provide their special insights to this process. As a Board member and Trustee of the organization, you take on all the responsibilities in law for the oversight and ongoing governance of the organization. See the TM Forum's By-Laws regarding full details of fiduciary responsibility.
What is the representation of constituencies on the Board?
The Board aims to maintain representation of all major constituencies of the TM Forum. These are currently defined as Service Providers, System Integrators, Network Equipment Manufacturers and Independent Software Vendors. “Service Providers” includes: traditional telecoms companies, media companies, cable companies and content providers.
How long is the term?
Representative Directors are elected for a 2 year term in accordance with the by-laws. As they near the end of their term, Representative Directors are free to submit for nomination to the slate alongside new candidates. There are currently no restrictions to the number of terms a candidate may serve.
What costs are involved in being a Board Member?
Each face to face board meeting at TeleManagement World involves a modest charge to cover room hire, food etc. Board members are responsible for their own travel/hotel costs.
How do I apply?
To apply you need to be from a company which holds a Corporate membership in TM Forum. You should contact your Principal Contact and confirm with them that you are the member company’s chosen candidate. The Principal Contact should then confirm this fact to secretary@tmforum.org and provide you with the url on the TM Forum website for the candidate submission form. Go to the site, complete the form, press submit – you’re done! You will be requested to submit a digital photograph at this time but if one is not immediately available you can send it on within a few days to secretary@tmforum.org
How do I get the candidate submission form?
You get the link to the TM Forum submission site from your Principal Contact. Electronic submissions only.
I am the Principal Contact – what do I need to do?
You will receive a notification that the candidate submission site is open. Liaise internally to identify the company’s candidate, and then notify TM Forum by sending a brief email to secretary@tmforum.org Pass the url link to the candidate in order that they may complete the candidate submission form on the website before the deadline of 8th October 2007.
How important is the Candidate Submission Form?
It is critical. Not only is it required for the submission and screening of candidates, but a portion of the submission form is also used to create the candidates profiles on the Election webpage.
How long does the candidate submission period remain open?
The candidate submission period this year runs from 24th September to 8th October 2007. Candidate submissions cannot be accepted after this deadline.
Do all candidates get onto the slate?
No, we are usually over-subscribed for these elections, so there is a short-listing process.
What happens next?
The Nominating Committee will select from those qualified and prepare a slate and ballot. Information on the candidates will be published on the website for members to review. The election itself will take place from 14th January to 1st February 2008, via the website. Principal Contacts only may vote in the election. The results will be announced to the members in March. Successful candidates commence their term on April 1st, 2008.
How do I know if I have made it on to the slate?
You will be notified by the Chair of the Nominating Committee by mid October, 2007.
I have more questions. What should I do?
To get more detail about the processes and responsibilities of TMF Board and how it works, you can contact the Chair of the Nominating Committee at secretary@tmforum.org or you can refer to the TM Forum's By-Laws with additional operational detail in the TM Forum Operations Guide