Governance Structure Health Check Recommendations

Abstract

The report is the result of the Working Group’s consideration of the inputs received, through surveys, townhall meetings and focus groups, and reflects the conclusions. We are grateful to all those who were so generous with their time and insights.

The report contains a wide range of recommendations, focusing both on different aspects of IFLA’s governance structure and operations, as well as on different types and levels of units.

At its April meeting, the Governing Board warmly welcomed the work of the Committee. It recognised that some recommendations could be implemented immediately without requiring changes to IFLA’s Statutes or Rules of Procedure, while others were more far-reaching.

At its July 2026 meeting, the Governing Board took the decision to share those recommendations that do not require far-reaching changes with relevant units (in particular our Regional and Professional Councils) or IFLA’s Headquarters. They will then be able to reflect on how to implement them and share their suggestions for Board approval as appropriate.

Those changes that would require amendments to the Rules of Procedure or Statutes will form part of the input to the various Sustainable Futures Journey reviews, currently underway under the leadership of the Governing Board. Not all recommendations will necessarily be implemented as they may no longer be relevant or may be modified to reflect the changes proposed by the wider reviews.

With these approaches underway, the Governing Board thanks the members of the Working Group and is sharing the report with the IFLA membership.