Governance and Board Structure
Boards of Community Health Services (CHS)
CHSs are diverse organisations that range from relatively small agencies to large and complex organisations that manage multi-million dollar budgets and employ significant numbers of staff. CHSs are required to manage multiple programs each with specific policy directions and budget reporting requirements. The type and scope of services managed and delivered by CHSs may involve a range of target groups, service requirements and varied geographic areas often spanning multiple local government areas. As a result of the increasingly complex role of CHSs, Board responsibilities have become more difficult and complex, requiring a range of skills and experience necessary for effective governance. There has been a significant change in the role of Boards to one focusing on governance rather than the day-to-day management of centres.
Governance
Overview
This section contains information and resources about the governance issues relating to community health services.
(extracted from the Department of Health > Governance)
The Health Services Act was introduced in 1988 to provide a new framework for community health centre governance and accountability which comprises a voluntary registration scheme and performance standards to ensure that quality services are provided to the Victorian people. The size, scope and nature of community health centres and the services they provide have changed significantly since the Health Services Act, which regulates them, was introduced.
Hence, the Health Services Legislation Amendment Act 2008 was passed in the Victorian Parliament on 4 December 2008. The date of proclamation is 31 March 2009.
The Act follows a review of community health centre governance and accountability undertaken by the Department of Human Services in 2008. The review was supported by consultation with community health centres, peak bodies, such as the Victorian Healthcare Association and unions.
Community health services that choose to register will be eligible to receive community health and dental funding and will be subject to the new monitoring and governance framework.
- Questions and answers: New Governance and Accountability Arrangements for Community Health Centres
- Apply to register as a registered Community Health Centre (Information on requirements for registration as a registered community health centre and link to online form)
Whitehorse Community Health Service Limited is a registered community health centre under the provisions of Section 48 of the Health Services Act 1988 with effect from 29th June 2009.
You may also wish to refer to our Constitution under our Publications.
Governance is the way an organisation is directed and controlled. Good governance includes the establishment and maintenance of systems and processes to set strategic direction, striving for above average performance taking into account risk management and monitoring performance. Good governance for CHSs should ensure:
- the accountability of Boards to consumers, the community and the Government in the way they discharge their duties to direct and control the organisation;
- that public confidence in the institutions, processes and personnel of government is maintained;
- vigilance of the Board in overseeing management;
- that the important role of all stakeholders including the wider community is supported;
- that the organisation's ability to develop and change is fostered; and
- a recognition that the needs of the community regularly change and these needs should be continually assessed.
WCHS Ltd is now incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981. Incorporated associations are a separate legal entity which are not for profit and have limited liability. For more information on the characteristics and governance of such bodies, you may wish to refer to the following links.
- What is CHC Governance?
- Discussion Paper: Review of Governance Arrangements for Community Health Centres (PDF document)
- Associations Incorporation Act 1981 (PDF document)
Board Meetings and Committees
Click to see our existing Board of Directors
The Board normally meets ten times a year with additional meetings scheduled as required. Forums are held where the Board and the executive team examine various strategic issues. The Board has established a number of committees which are responsible for considering detailed issues and making recommendations to the Board.
Board Subcommittees include:
Audit & Risk Committee
To assist the full board in discharging its duties of monitoring and assessing both the financial and non-financial performance of the organisation by:
- selectively carrying out preliminary reviews of work items which are to be reviewed by the full board; and
- initiating questions and investigations into areas which it believes present a risk to the organisation
Membership: Garfield Lee, Marilyn Forde, Veronica Snook
Quality Committee
The Quality Committee is a Sub-Committee of the Whitehorse Community Health Services (WCHS) Board of Management. The Quality Committee is to be responsible to the Board for ensuring that:
- effective and accountable systems are in place to monitor and improve the quality and effectiveness of service delivery provided by WCHS;
- any systemic problems identified with the quality and effectiveness of service delivery are addressed in a timely manner; and
- WCHS strives to continuously improve quality and foster innovation.
Membership: Frances Mirabelli, Charissa Feng