DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY POLICY PURPOSE This Delegation of Authority policy is established to define the limits of authority designated to specified positions of responsibility within Rounders England and to establish the types and maximum amount of obligations that may be approved by individuals. The approval of commitments and transactions outlined in this policy must always be made by the parties that have been designated the responsibility for final approval. All employees should be aware that violating the policy could significantly damage Rounders England and expose it to unintended legal and commercial liabilities. Individuals who violate these policies will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action by Rounders England, including possible termination of employment. Staff Directors should take all necessary steps to ensure their employees know and follow the policy. In this connection, all Directors should periodically consult with their staff members to determine that appropriate procedures for implementation of the policy have been developed and are being followed. Responsibility The policy is the responsibility of the Board. Compliance with the policy is the responsibility of the CEO and Staff Directors. PROCEDURES: 1 General 1.1 Combining Transactions Dividing a commitment or transaction into two or more parts to evade a limit of authority is prohibited and is a violation of the policy. 1.2 Delegation of Authority to Subordinates It is emphasised that commitments and transactions cannot be approved by individuals having a lower level of approval authority than the specified transaction requires, except when a delegation of temporary authority has been granted by the Board. Temporary authority may be designated whenever an individual with approval authority will be out of the office for prolonged periods. The temporary authorisation is to be in writing (eg board minutes or emails from Board members) and must specify the effective length of time. 1.3 Compliance Documentation Employees executing contracts and approving transactions are required to ensure that all appropriate approvals and reviews required by this policy and the Financial Procedures have been obtained, and to ensure that appropriate documentation of these approvals is maintained. All contracts shall be 1 maintained with documentation of the appropriate approvals and the original kept at the National Office. 1.4 Financial Procedures All transactions must comply with the Financial Procedures. 2 Banking and Investment Matters 2.1 Borrowing Funds and credit arrangements Only the CEO is authorised to borrow funds or arrange credit facilities, subject to Board approval. 2.2 Opening/Closing Bank Accounts Only the CEO may open or close bank accounts, subject to Board approval. 2.3 Investments Only the CEO may make investment arrangements, subject to Board approval 3 Expenditure Authority 3.1 Disbursement Authorisation Commitments and transactions will not be processed by the Finance Officer that are not approved in accordance with this policy. 3.2 Capital Expenditures All capital expenditures must be approved by the Board and made by the CEO. 3.3 Revenue Expenditure The authority for disbursement approval is: Title CEO Staff Director Event Organiser Authority Level Unlimited Up to £2,999 Up to £500 3.4 Agreements with 3rd Parties (eg County Sports Partnerships or Partners) All agreements with third parties must be notified to the CEO and are subject to the authorities detailed in 3.3. Signed originals must be kept in the National Office. 3.5 Bank Signatories Bank signatories shall be in accordance with the Bye Laws. One signatory is required for amounts up to £500; two signatories are required for amounts over £500. 4 Sales Authority 4.1 Sales of Assets Prior to any sale of assets over £500 Board approval must be obtained. The Chief Executive Officer has authority for sale of assets valued at £499 or less. 4.2 Other Sales 2 All sales shall be made in compliance with Rounders England’s standard terms and conditions. 4.4 Bids and Bid Contracts Bids and Bid Contracts shall be placed and reviewed according to the Financial Procedures. 6 Employment Related Matters 6.1 Appointment and Dismissal of Employees Authority for the appointment and dismissal of employees is in accordance with the Office Handbook. 6.2 Employee Agreements and Certain Offers of Employment All employment agreements shall be approved by the CEO prior to entering into an employment agreement. All staff bonuses, including, but not limited to defined incentive plans, statutory, special, discretionary or one-time, must be approved by the CEO in writing. The CEO bonuses are approved by the Board. 6.3 Severance Agreements All severance agreements shall be approved by the Board. Only the CEO may execute a severance agreement. 6.4 Consulting Agreements/Contract Employees The engagement of a consultant or contract employee for a period of more than three months (consecutively or within a 12-month period) shall be approved by the CEO. 7 Legal Matters 7.1 Settling Claims: Litigation Claims and Commercial Disputes – Approval of the Board is required prior to settling any litigation claims or commercial disputes. 7.2 Formation/Dissolution of New Legal Entities and Branch Offices Only the Board may authorise the formation/dissolution of a new entity Reviewed by Board September 2010 Review Date: 2012 3