Australian Red Cross is governed by the Council of the Australian Red Cross Society and the Australian Red Cross Board (the Board). The Council’s responsibilities range from receiving reports and financial statements to electing Office Bearers and Additional Board Members.

The Board comprises up to 16 members who together oversee the role of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO has the responsibility for the day-to-day management of the organisation, and manages the National Leadership Team, which provides high-level advice to the CEO on key strategic and operational matters.

Our Patron

His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), Governor-General of Australia, accepted the position of Patron of the Australian Red Cross Society in April 2014 following the retirement of Dame Quentin Alice Louise Bryce AD, CVO as Governor-General in March 2014.

Our governance and management structure

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.

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 Bruce Moore, 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.

Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission

In December 2012, Australian Red Cross Society became a registered charity with the newly formed Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), which is the independent national regulator of charities. Governance standards have been established under the ACNC legislation, which came into effect from 1 July 2013. These are similar to the duties previously applicable under the Corporations Act 2001.