SSI’s operations are overseen by a Board of Directors composed of a minimum of two Independent Directors and a minimum of two Member Directors. Our current directors can be found here.

The Board has adopted a charter that details its role and responsibilities, and Board appointments are made in accordance with SSI’s Constitution.

Member Directors are drawn from the Boards and senior executive of SSI’s Member organisations and, like our Independent Directors, are recruited based on merit. To that end, the Board actively seeks to ensure that it has a diverse directorship to effectively discharge its responsibilities and equip SSI for good governance. To assist in identifying areas of focus and maintaining an appropriate experience mix, the Board has developed a Board Skills Matrix that is regularly reviewed.

The Board ensures that SSI operates with integrity and adheres to ethical standards in all business relationships.

To support effective governance, the Board is supported by several key committees. They perform an advisory role to the Board and are governed by their respective Charters as approved by the Board.

The SSI Group comprises of six companies. With the exception of SSI Legal Pty Ltd, the SSI Group operates under a mirror board structure with each company being:

• a Company Limited by Guarantee;
• a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not–for–profits Commission (ACNC); and
• governed by the same Board of Directors and Board committees (mirror board structure).

The governance structure illustrates how the SSI Group (except for SSI Legal Pty Ltd, which is governed separately) is directed, controlled and held accountable to its members and key stakeholders. The workflow set out in the figure brings together all the different governance components within the SSI Group.

The SSI Group has adopted the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ (AICD) Not-for-Profit Governance Principles to achieve good governance. These principles underpin this Framework and apply to SSI in the following manner:

• Purpose, vision and strategy: All activities align with SSI’s purpose and strategy, with Board oversight one effectiveness.
• Roles and responsibilities: Clearly defined roles within SSI, with Board oversight of key external providers.
• Board composition and effectiveness: A diverse Board with transparent recruitment and regular evaluations.
• Risk management: Board oversight of risk management frameworks, scenario planning, and dynamic risk assessment.
• Performance and accountability: Focus on financial health and internal and external accountability, extending beyond annual reporting.
• Stakeholders: The Board oversees open, transparent engagement with stakeholders to foster trust.
• Sustainability: SSI’s approach to sustainability is integrated with its purpose and overseen by the Board.
• Organisational culture: The Board models expected culture, monitors employee and volunteer satisfaction, and promotes recognition.

The above principles have been adopted in addition to the minimum Governance Standards mandated by the ACNC.

• Whistleblower Policy

• Work Health and Safety Policy

• Information Security Policy

• Privacy Statement and Policy

• Modern Slavery Statement