Governance
The CBI's regional and standing committee structure gives it the ability to consult its members and involve them in policy formulation
The CBI is a not-for-profit organisation that was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1965. Its ultimate governing body is its Council, comprising a broad representation of its membership. In practice, the Council has delegated the majority of decision-making powers to the Chairmen's Committee and the CBI Board.
The CBI consults and supports its members through a regional organisation. Each of the regions has a regional council elected from members and supported by locally-based CBI staff. There are also 14 standing committees charged with supporting specific areas of policy or membership.
Through this regional and standing committee structure, the CBI is able to consult its members and involve them in policy formulation.
The Chairmen's Committee (in which at least 10% of members represent SMEs) comprises the chairmen of the 12 elected regional councils and of the 14 standing committees. It takes the lead in setting the CBI's position on policy matters. It also proposes to the annual general meeting of members a candidate for election as president of the CBI, and a candidate for deputy president.
The CBI Board consists of both CBI staff executive directors (who must include the director-general, the deputy director-general and the finance director) and at least an equal number of non-executive directors (restricted to a maximum of five) from the membership. Its role is to take lead responsibility for all operational and financial matters - including governance.
The president chairs both the Chairmen's Committee and the CBI Board. A President's Committee, made up of members, advises the president. The president, with the approval of the Chairmen's Committee (under its delegated powers), appoints the director-general, who is responsible for the management of the CBI.