Australian Red Cross Board

The role of the Board is to govern the activities of the Society, and in doing so, works to ensure that Red Cross acts in accordance with the Geneva Conventions, international Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) regulations, the international Movement’s Protocols, and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. it also develops and maintains ethical standards based on a Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy.

Comprising up to 16 members, the Board includes the President, Deputy President, the Audit and Risk Management Committee Chair, the Youth Member, the Chair or nominee of each of the eight Divisional Advisory Boards from every state and territory, the Australian Red Cross Blood Service Chairman and up to three Additional Board Members. While not members of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Services and international Operations, National Director, Marketing, Fundraising & Communications and Secretary attend Board meetings throughout the year.

Ensuring good governance is in place is another Board responsibility, including mechanisms to provide for compliance with legal requirements and regulations, while safekeeping the ongoing financial viability of Red Cross. The Board monitors and periodically evaluates its own performance and strives to always have a skilled and diverse membership in place. it also establishes and implements a recognition process that acknowledges the efforts of members, volunteers and staff.

The Board met nine times during this financial year. All Board members underwent Work Health and Safety training, and several Board members attended the 2011 International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) General Assembly and Council of Delegates in Geneva.

Changes in Leadership

At the Annual General Meeting in December 2011, after eight years as President of Australian Red Cross, Greg Vickery reached the end of his term. Prior to this, at the General Assembly and Council of Delegates in Geneva in November 2011, Greg was elected to the Standing Commission and was subsequently elected Chair of the Standing Commission of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.

Michael Legge was elected as President of Australian Red Cross at the Annual General Meeting in December 2011, after a long and distinguished involvement with Red Cross. Michael has served as Deputy President of the Board for eight years and his leadership appointments are numerous. He has been a member of the Australian Red Cross Tasmanian Division Council and Finance Committee and was Deputy Chairman of the Division in 1998 and Chairman in 1999. He has represented Australian Red Cross internationally, both as an Australian delegate and speaker at international forums, and as an active participant in decision- making for the Movement. Michael also served as a member of the Blood Service Board between 2001 and 2011.

Australian Red Cross Blood Service Board

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is an operational arm of the Society. The Australian Red Cross Blood Service Board reports to the Australian Red Cross Board, which has overall responsibility and appoints all non-executive Board Members. The Blood Service Board, which has general oversight of the management of the Blood Service, comprises nine non-executive members who oversee the strategic direction, financial, operational activities and risk management of the Blood Service. Australian Red Cross’ Deputy President and Chief Financial Officer are both Blood Service Board members.