Helping Organizations Achieve Effective Meetings & Strong Governance

“The parliamentarian is a consultant, commonly a professional, who advises the president and other officers, committees, and members on matters of parliamentary procedure. The parliamentarian’s role during a meeting is purely an advisory and consultative one—since parliamentary law gives to the chair alone the power to rule on questions of order or to answer parliamentary inquiries.”

Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised (12th Edition)

About Dave’s Experience

Dave is a seasoned senior management professional with extensive experience in leadership, strategic planning, operations, and project and issues management, as well as building productive relationships with organizations both nationally and internationally. He brings over three decades of senior management and board volunteer service within the non-profit sector and professional associations. He has guided a national board of directors by providing strategic leadership and overseeing programs both at home and abroad.Recognized for his broad perspective, forward-thinking mindset, and pragmatic approach, Dave excels at collaborating with clients to produce meaningful outcomes. His track record includes managing partnerships among diverse stakeholders from the public and private sectors, and he frequently engages with individuals at all organizational levels, including senior leaders in corporate, government, and professional settings.Dave serves as a Professional Registered Parliamentarian and Board Governance Consultant, providing expert guidance in parliamentary procedure and organizational governance.

Further information on Dave’s career and experiences can be found at https://ca.linkedin.com/in/DaveBennettConsulting

Further information on Dave’s career and experiences can be found at

Services

Parliamentary Procedure and Board Governance Training

Parliamentary procedure and board governance are subjects with which many new and even some experienced board members or senior staff have little experience and find confusing.

Professional Parliamentarian Services

Bylaws define the structure, governance, and the rights and responsibilities of an organization and its members. Bylaws must be legislatively compliant with the laws governing the province, state, or country.

Board Governance
Services

Effective and concise governance documents provide boards of directors, executive teams, senior staff, members and organizations the enabling documents to attain their strategic goals.

Articles & Resources

Glossary

Agenda – A list of items of business to be considered at a meeting. The agenda sets out the order in which business is to be considered.

Amendment – Amendments modify the wording, and within limits, the meaning of a main motion.

Annual General Meeting – A mandatory meeting of the directors and members or shareholders of an association, society or company, held once every financial year, at which the annual report is presented. It is also when organizations elect officers and hear reports from officers, boards, and committees.

Articles

A Parliamentarian’s Role at Meetings and Conventions

Role of a Professional Registered Parliamentarian

Articles

A Parliamentarian’s Role at Meetings and Conventions

Role of a Professional Registered Parliamentarian

Articles

A Parliamentarian’s Role at Meetings and Conventions

Role of a Professional Registered Parliamentarian

Happy Clients

Rated 5 out of 5

I was under a very tight timeline to get an opinion about parliamentary procedure and contacted Mr. Bennett’. he responded promptly and worked quickly to give me his opinions, connecting it well with the Roberts rules that affected it. He was clear in his communication and made himself available again with short notice to answer any questions. I appreciated his courtesy, willingness to help, and made me feel no question was too minor to be considered.

Karen Dunnet, President

Canadian Federation of University Women

Rated 5 out of 5

While serving as president of the Ontario Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (OAPO) our board decided it was time to consider professional management of the association. Select board members advertised and interviewed several individuals looking for the right person to fill this niche. The result of this process was the beginning of what turned out to be one of the best things to happen to OAPO in some time. I am speaking of our introduction to and affiliation with David Bennett of David Bennett Consulting.

Kerry Calder CP, Owner/Operator – Northland Prosthetics Inc.

Past President – Ontario Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists

Rated 5 out of 5

Engaging Dave Bennett as our governance consultant was instrumental during a period of significant organizational change under new leadership. We were focusing on appropriate board governance that required clarity, structure, and experienced guidance. Dave provided exactly that. He helped us thoughtfully redefine our board’s role, ensuring we understood the competencies, behaviors, and expectations needed to operate effectively as a working board. One of Dave’s greatest contributions was his support in developing a clear framework of committees and working groups. His guidance in identifying their purpose, structure, and alignment with our strategic priorities brought much-needed organization to our governance processes. Dave’s approach was collaborative, practical, and rooted in a deep understanding of board dynamics. He offered advice that was strategic, helping our board members gain confidence in their responsibilities. His recommendations were grounded in best practice. Dave’s professionalism, responsiveness, and steady support were invaluable throughout our transition. I would highly recommend him to any board seeking to strengthen its structure, enhance clarity in roles, or successfully move toward a more engaged and effective working board model.

Lorna MacMillan Executive Director

Saskatchewan Physiotherapy Association

Rated 5 out of 5

The CMA engaged Dave Bennett as a parliamentarian and meeting support specialist to assist with its Annual General Meeting (AGM). He exceeded our expectations thanks to his in-depth knowledge, professionalism, and approachability. He provided expert guidance on a variety of scenarios and documents, setting up the CMA for a well-managed AGM. Dave also developed and delivered a series of excellent parliamentary training sessions for our AGM chairs. His engaging content and practical teaching style was extremely well received by everyone in attendance. Additionally, Dave has an impressive ability to provide sound advice on parliamentary procedures in real time, which instills trust and confidence among participants.

Canadian Medical Association

Rated 5 out of 5

Engaging David Bennett as our governance consultant was transformative for CPB Canada. He guided our transition from a working board to a governance-focused one, helping to establish policiesm competencies and behaviors that ensure strategic oversight. His ongoing support and expertise have been invaluable, providing a lasting impact on our board’s effectiveness and organizational success.

Rick Johal

CEO of CPB Canada

Professional Registered Parliamentarian

Dave Bennett

As a Professional Registered Parliamentarian, Dave leverages his expertise to guide organizations and board members in the effective participation and facilitation of meetings for deliberative assemblies. He has supported associations during annual general meetings, delivered comprehensive training on parliamentary procedures, conducted presiding officer workshops, and provided individualized coaching and assistance to chairpersons and officers.

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Contact Us

(613) 203-3396
dave@davebennettconsulting.com
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K2H 7P6

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