Governance

Learn about the governance and management of Australian Red Cross Society.

On 1 July 2025, comprehensive Governance Reforms became effective, which will help ensure Australian Red Cross Society’s governance structure is:

  • Contemporary and fit for purpose.
  • Aligned with International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement requirements.
  • Well placed to support Australian Red Cross Society in achieving its vision and purpose (now and in the future).

These Governance Reforms are a significant development for Australian Red Cross, further enabling the vital role our people perform as part of the world's largest humanitarian network.

Governing documents

The Royal Charter establishes Australian Red Cross Society as a body corporate.

The Rules are Australian Red Cross Society’s key governance document. The Rules are adopted by the National Council and approved by the Governor-General of Australia in accordance with the Royal Charter.

The Governance Regulations are approved by the Board pursuant to the Rules and set out how certain aspects of the Rules operate, including details on governance of Divisions.

Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia.

The Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia, is the Patron of Australian Red Cross Society.

Learn more about our Patron at the Governor-General’s website.

National Council, Board and Management Leaders

Kate Jenkins

✓ The President is elected by the National Council.

✓ The President is a pivotal ambassador for Australian Red Cross, to be held by a person of eminence within the Australian community.

✓ The President’s role will include:

  • Public speaking engagements and other ceremonial duties.
  • Chairing the National Council.
  • Acting as our ambassador and relationship builder.

Learn more about our current President, Kate Jenkins AO »

Charles Burkitt

The Board Chair:

✓ Is appointed by the Board (from amongst the Board Members).

✓ Leads the Board and ensuring that it is operating to the highest governance standards.

✓ Undertakes the normal functions of a Board Chair.

✓ Acts as the primary liaison point between the Board and the CEO, between meetings of the Board.

Learn more about our current Board Chair, Charles Burkitt »

Andrew Colvin

✓ The CEO (Secretary-General) is appointed by and reports to the Board.

✓ The CEO's main responsibilities include:

  • Providing advice and recommendations to the Board;
  • Implementing the decisions of the Board;
  • Managing all activities of the Society;
  • Managing all employees and Volunteers; and
  • Supporting Members.

Learn more about our current CEO, Andrew Colvin AO APM »

Governance Reforms

Summary of the most significant changes through the Governance Reforms

Composition: National Council includes:

  • The President.
  • The Chair, Deputy Chair, and Youth Member of each Division.
  • Up to Six Special Councillors (eminent Members who have made significant contributions to Australian Red Cross).

Role: National Council’s role as the peak representative body for Members has been strengthened through:

  • Representation in the open and competitive Board Member and Board Chair appointment processes; and
  • A minimum of two National Council meetings per year.
  • Board Members no longer being on National Council to reduce any perceived conflict of interest.

Size: Board made up of 8-10 Board Members (reduced from 16 Board Members).

Member Connection: There are four roles reserved for anyone who has been a Member for at least 12 months, who meets the skills and experience requirements. This is to ensure the Board continues to have a strong appreciation and understanding of Members.

Appointments: National Council appoints all Board Members, except the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Chair, following an open, advertised and competitive recruitment process to ensure the Board has the right skills and experience.

Name: Each ‘Divisional Advisory Board’ will be known as a ‘Division Council’ which better reflects the role and will assist in role clarity for new candidates and external parties.

Role: The role of Division Councils has been reinforced to ensure a clear and consistent understanding. It includes supporting Members and Volunteers in that Division with promotion and recruitment, communication and feedback, governance of local activities and advice on issues of significance to the Division.

The current role of President will be split into two.

The President who is elected by National Council is a pivotal ambassador for Australian Red Cross, to be held by a person of eminence within the Australian community. Their role will include:

  • Public speaking engagements and other ceremonial duties.
  • Chairing the National Council.
  • Acting as our ambassador and relationship builder.

The Board Chair who is elected by the Board (from amongst the Board Members) will lead the Board and undertake normal functions of a Board chair.

To ensures a consistent approach to tenure, while balancing the importance of stability and renewal:

  • Role lengths for all governance roles will now be a maximum of three terms of up to three years each.
  • A minimum retirement period of three years must occur before any further service in that role.

Clarification that:

  • Membership is belonging and a right to participate in governance at Australian Red Cross.
  • Volunteering is the activity, which occurs across a broad range of programs and services including fundraising, community service, patient transport and emergency services (and is often done by Members).

Volunteers are encouraged to become a Member, so that they have the right (but not the obligation) to participate in the governance of Australian Red Cross.

Membership renewals will now occur at the same time each year for all Members to make renewal easier and more efficient.

Compulsory membership fees removed to ensure membership is open to all (without discrimination), which is consistent with our Fundamental Principles of Unity and Impartiality.

Members are welcome to make a donation instead to ensure their valued financial contribution is still contributing to the work of Australian Red Cross. This donation will also be tax deductible.

Download a summary of the most significant changes.

Questions and Answers

We have developed a Question and Answer document that answers a range of questions in connection with the Governance Reforms. Download the Q&A document.


This page was updated on 1 July 2025.

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