Governance

We take corporate governance very seriously. Our offerings and practice are accountable, open, honest, qualified and sustainable. Traits that have built trust with our partners, our collaborators and very importantly the people with whom we work.

Corporate Governance Protocol

1. Purpose

This protocol outlines the principles, structures and processes by we which we operate in pursuit of our mission to identify and prevent chronic disease and health issues in all communities in need. It ensures, as a charity, we operate ethically, transparently, and effectively, with a strong commitment to social impact, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement in service delivery and health outcomes.

2. Scope

This protocol applies to all levels of the organization, including:

– Executive and Board Governance
– Program Management
– Technical and Operational Support
– Customer Service
– Clinical Team: Clinical Psychologists, Exercise Physiologists, Clinical Dietitians, Nutritionists
– Allied Support Personnel: Certificate IV Personal Trainers, Yoga Instructors (under supervision)

3. Governance Principles

The charity is governed by the following core principles:

– Accountability: Clear responsibility at all levels of the organization
– Transparency: Open communication and accessible information
– Integrity: Ethical leadership and decision-making
– Inclusiveness: Equitable service delivery for multicultural populations
– Sustainability: Responsible stewardship of financial and organizational resources

4. Board of Directors

The Board of Directors holds ultimate responsibility for governance and oversight. Their duties include:

– Strategic planning and mission alignment
– Approval of annual budgets and financial statements
– Risk management oversight
– Ensuring compliance with all legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements
– Appointment and performance review of the CEO/Executive Director
– Upholding the values of diversity and community representation

Board composition must reflect a mix of professional skills (e.g., healthcare, legal, finance, community leadership) and cultural backgrounds that align with the populations served.

5. Executive and Operational Management

The Executive Leadership Team, under the CEO, is responsible for operationalizing the strategy approved by the Board. This includes:

– Program development and implementation
– Human resources and workforce planning
– Financial control and reporting
– Stakeholder and community engagement
– Monitoring and evaluation of outcomes and impact

6. Clinical Oversight

A Clinical Governance Committee, reporting to the Executive Team, ensures that all clinical services are:

– Safe, effective, and culturally competent
– Delivered within the scope of professional practice
– Subject to ongoing review, audit, and professional development

This includes oversight of the work of:
– Clinical Psychologists
– Exercise Physiologists
– Clinical Dietitians and Nutritionists
– Delegated personnel (e.g., Cert IV Personal Trainers and Yoga Instructors)

Support personnel work under the direction of accredited Exercise Physiologists, and their activities must comply with risk, privacy, and safety protocols.

7. Risk Management and Compliance

The organization maintains a comprehensive risk management framework, including:

– Clinical risk, data security, WHS, and reputational risk assessments
– Regular review and update of compliance policies
– Incident and complaint reporting systems
– Legal compliance with:
  – Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) regulations
  – Health Records and Privacy legislation
  – Anti-discrimination and Equal Opportunity laws
  – Professional registration boards (e.g., AHPRA, ESSA, DAA)

8. Financial Governance

The charity practices sound financial management with:

– Transparent budgeting and reporting
– Independent audits
– Ethical fundraising and donor accountability
– Use of funds strictly in alignment with charitable objectives

Financial decisions must avoid any conflict of interest and prioritize long-term impact over short-term gains.

9. Stakeholder and Community Engagement

The organization is committed to:

– Involving community voices in planning and feedback
– Employing culturally diverse staff and interpreters where needed
– Developing health programs that are accessible, inclusive, and culturally safe
– Communicating with clarity, humility, and respect for varied worldviews and health beliefs

10. Social and Environmental Responsibility

As part of its broader social responsibility, the organization:

– Champions health equity and social justice
– Reduces its environmental footprint through sustainable operations
– Partners with grassroots and community-based organizations to increase reach and trust

11. Monitoring and Review

This Corporate Governance Protocol will be reviewed annually by the Board and Executive Team to ensure continued relevance, compliance, and effectiveness. Amendments will reflect feedback, sector developments, and regulatory changes.

12. Related Governance Documents

– Clinical Governance Protocol
– Code of Ethics and Conduct
– Risk Management Framework
– Financial Management Policy
– Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Policy
– Data Security and Privacy Policy
– Delegation and Supervision Guidelines

13. Executive and Operational Team

Amanda King – CEO

Trent Martin – CFO

Annie Lee – National Operations and Social Prescribing

Lucy Billington – Programs Development and Delivery

Vicky Radcliffe – Strategic insight and data management

Mark Cracknell – Technical strategy and development

Krystal Haddad – Marketing Communications

Emma Smith – Trainer Relationships

Angel Jemmett – Marketing and Content Development

14. Specialist and Clinical Advisory Team

Professor Glen Maberly – Program Lead, Western Sydney Diabetes. Staff Specialist Endocrinologist Blacktown Hospital

Dr Virginia Solomon – General Practitioner

Natalie Muldoon – Clinical Psychologist

Matthew Brown – Exercise Physiologist

Dannielle Hibbard – Clinical Dietician

Jazmyn McKinnie – Nutritionist

Marea Howe – Legal Council

15. Board

Amanda King – Executive Director, CEO and Managing Director

Trent Martin – Executive Director and CFO

Jane Flemming – Non-Executive Director

16. Legal and Auditory

Marea Howe – Corporate Network Legal

Christopher Coote – Christopher Coote & Co Pty Ltd