Committees of the Australian Red Cross Board

There are 15 Red Cross Board Committees, all of which include at least one Board Member or Special Councillor. The Board also appoints various other committees including advisory committees and specialist committees which are established for short- term, specific or ad hoc purposes. in early 2012, Board Committee memberships were reviewed by the President and Committee Chairs and a commitment was made towards improving youth engagement in governance. As at June 2012, there were five youth appointments to seven of the committees.

The committees of the Australian Red Cross Board include:

Audit and Risk Management Committee

Assists the Board in ensuring that Red Cross meets its essential financial and compliance requirements.

National Asset and Investment Strategy Committee

Supports and advises the Board on strategic asset management and due diligence.

Governance Committee

Reviews the governance framework of Red Cross and recommends improvements.

International Committee

Supports and advises the Board in its deliberations on the Society’s international Program, strategy, frameworks, policy and risk.

Nominations and Remuneration Committee

Supports and advises the Board regarding appointment of Board Members, succession planning, remuneration and employment, induction, training and education programs.

Services, Members and Volunteers Activities Committee

Guides and monitors the progress of Red Cross services and the activities of their members and volunteers.

Divisional Advisory Boards

The Divisional Advisory Boards have a number of functions under the Rules and the Divisional Regulations, in connection with their advisory, divisional governance, promotion and communications roles.

Migration Programs Advisory Committee

Makes recommendations to the Board regarding Red Cross programs dealing with the impact of migration.

Australian Red Cross Blood Service (ARCBS) Advisory Committee

Provides independent advice to the Board and to the ARCBS Board of Management on all technical and safety issues and ensures the highest standards of medical and scientific practice and product safety are met.

National Youth Advisory Committee

Advises the Board and consults on youth policies and programs, including youth engagement and leadership opportunities.

National Emergency Services Advisory Committee

Provides strategic advice to the Board on Emergency Services programs undertaken by Red Cross.

International Humanitarian Law Chairs Advisory Committee

Operates as a joint committee with the Commonwealth Government and advises the Board on all matters concerning international humanitarian law.

National Awards Committee

Approves nominations for awards and recommends to the Board ways to acknowledge the efforts of Red Cross people.

Specialist Committees

Information Technology Committee

Oversees Project Novar, the project replacing the existing iT platform, and moving to a common set of business processes throughout Australia. it also advises the Board on key decisions relating to the project.

2013 General Assembly and Council of Delegates Committee

Oversees the planning for this meeting in Sydney in November 2013.

Centenary and Membership Engagement Committee

Oversees planning for the Centenary year 2014.

Divisional Advisory Boards

The Divisional Advisory Boards have a number of functions under the Rules and the Divisional Regulations, in connection with their advisory, divisional governance, promotion and communications roles.

Legal and Policy Unit

Headed by General Counsel, the Legal and Policy Unit provides independent in-house legal advice and representation for the Society on legal aspects of policy, operational and governance matters. it also coordinates the provision of support by external legal advisers.