Related Links
- Products and Services
- Vision and values
- Corporate Governance
- History
- The Board
- Quality Policy
- Corporate Partners
- News and Publications
- Careers
Subscribe to eNews
Corporate Governance
The Board of Barkuma Incorporated accepts overall responsibility for the corporate governance and protection of the organisation.
The Board directs and monitors the business and affairs of Barkuma and delegates the responsibility for the management of the organisation to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
The Board operates in accordance with the CONSTITUTION OF BARKUMA INCORPORATED and reports to members through the Annual Report, Annual General Meeting and such other meetings as may be called by the Board or the membership.
The Board defines the responsibilities of the CEO and the relationship between itself and the CEO through the CEO Job Description and the Board Role Description.
The Composition of the Board
The composition of the Board is determined in accordance with the Constitution of Barkuma Incorporated. It consists of 10 Board members and the CEO who is a non-voting member of the Board. All 10 Board members retire at each Annual General Meeting and are eligible for re-election or re-appointment. New Board members are given a formal induction program prior to their first Board meeting in order to familiarise them with the affairs of the Board and Barkuma.
Board Committees
The Board has established a number of committees to assist it in carrying out its responsibilities. The Board determines the membership, role and responsibilities of each committee.
Board Meetings
The Board aims to discharge its responsibilities by scheduling monthly Board meetings and at such other times as it may deem necessary. The number of Board meetings attended by each Board member is recorded in the Annual Report.
The Board plans an annual agenda that seeks to achieve a balance between reporting activities and strategic thinking. Minutes are kept of every Board meeting and are tabled for confirmation at the next scheduled meeting. Board members receive agendas, financial reports, management reports and minutes at least two days before each meeting.
Board Evaluation
The Board aims to meet the highest standards of governance by regularly reviewing its governance policies and practices and evaluating both its own and the CEO's performance.
Ethical Conduct
The Board is committed to promoting the highest ethical standards throughout Barkuma. The Board provides leadership in this area and has adopted clear ethical standards of governance as reflected in Board values. All the staff of the organisation are expected to adopt the same values in their interaction with clients and the wider community and act, at all times, with the utmost integrity.
The Board places great importance on Board members declaring any existing or potential conflict of interest in relation to their duties as Directors of the Board. A Register of Interest of all Board members is maintained for this purpose.
Board Compensation
Board members (except the CEO) volunteer their services and are not paid for their work as a Board member, except for out of pocket expenses.
Barkuma maintains Directors and Officers insurance for each Board member.
Corporate Plan
The Board will govern with an emphasis on outward vision and strategic leadership. The Board sets the direction of Barkuma through a Corporate Plan, which is regularly reviewed and updated. Strategic planning is a regular agenda item of Board meetings.
Quality Management System
The Board is responsible for the overall provision of quality services to people with a disability. It encourages best practice in all areas of operation. To assist the Board in meeting this responsibility, Barkuma maintains ISO9001:2000 and DSS:2000 quality assurance certifications.
Monthly reports are provided to the Board.
Risk Management
The Board ensures that a risk management policy is in place to identify, assess and reduce significant risks to the organisation. The CEO reports to the Board on risk management activities.
