Why is it important to participate (nominate/vote/stand for election) in the election to the department board?
Tomas Deierborg (EMV): We want to be as democratic and have as broad a base as possible. The department board is involved in making decisions about changes and at the department.
Patrik Midlöv (IKVM): For openness and that everyone should have the opportunity to influence.
Mikael Bodelsson (IKVL): Our department is currently in a phase of high mutual trust and most things are flowing. But this can change quickly, and then the department board's review of the head of department's work can become extra important. A well-composed board can then do an important job and it is you as an employee who, by participating in the election, ensures that this is the case.
Anna Rignell-Hydbom (ILM): It is important that as many people as possible have their voices heard.
Jan Astermark (ITM)): Since the Board has a mandate to make decisions on important issues that affect all employees within the department, it is important that the members are chosen with care and that they both feel and want to take the responsibility that it means to sit on a department board.
Agneta Malmgren Fänge (IHV): Because the department board represents you in important strategic decisions that affect the department's activities and thus you as an employee.
What do you think is the most important task of the department board?
Tomas Deierborg: The department board is involved in making decisions about changes and at the department. And comes up with ideas on how things can be improved for all employees at the department.
Patrik Midlöv: Drive and develop strategic issues and have a control function over the management team.
Mikael Bodelsson: As head of department, I know that one of the board's tasks is to review my decisions. If I, as head of department, am ever unsure – it actually happens sometimes – I usually think "Will I be able to defend this decision before the department board?" In recent years, we at the department have tried to broaden the board's tasks to not only review but also make decisions, not least how the department's strategic funds are to be used.
Anna Rignell-Hydbom: The board's most important task, in consultation with the head of department, is to steer the department and to work strategically with the department's future and look after the best interests of the department.
Jan Astermark: Ensure that the business is conducted in a reliable and correct manner and actively participate in decisions concerning the business's strategy and finances.
Agneta Malmgren Fänge: To be a critical eye and an important discussion partner to the department management.
What are the members of the board expected to do/contribute?
Tomas Deierborg: In the best case, an active board that takes the initiative makes suggestions for improvement/change.
Patrik Midlöv: Be prepared and read up for meetings. Openly express views that primarily concern strategic issues, but also ask questions and demand answers from the management team.
Mikael Bodelsson: Say the meaning of one's heart. The department management tries to be responsive to what is said in the board and work in the spirit that is then expressed. But then it is important that you as a member do not hold back.
Anna Rignell-Hydbom: Prior to the board meeting, the members must have familiarized themselves with matters that are brought up on the agenda, so that, for example, various problems can be discussed and well-founded decisions can be made.
Jan Astermark: The members are expected to come prepared to the meeting and actively participate in the discussion points. In addition, where applicable, address their own current and relevant overarching issues within the business.
Agneta Malmgren Fänge: I want the department board to question and come up with constructive proposals that lead the activities forward. The department board is an important sounding board for me as head of department.