GOVERNANCE

Governance

Health Equity Matters is a company limited by guarantee and is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). As a not-for-profit company, Health Equity Matters has Deductible Gift Recipient status with the Australian Taxation Office. Health Equity Matters is governed by a board. The board is governed by a company Constitution, which formalises the organisation’s governance obligations under the Corporation’s Act 2001 (Cth). As a national peak body, formed by state based members and national organisations representing key HIV populations, the organisation is membership based. The membership endorse the appointment of board directors and changes to the company Constitution at the Annual General Meeting, or Special General Meetings.

Health Equity Matters’ objectives and strengths are derived from its members and their communities. Accordingly, Health Equity Matters provides leadership by promoting, coordinating and supporting the shared goals of its members and the communities they represent in its endeavours. The formal executive positions on Health Equity Matters’ board are the National President, Vice President and Treasurer. Two Health Equity Matters board committees have formal delegation to conduct the governance work of Health Equity Matters. These committees are the Governance and Membership Committee and the Finance and Audit Committee. Both Committees meet routinely before Health Equity Matters board meetings to manage the board’s workload and to monitor the organisation’s compliance with the regulatory environment. A third board committee, the International Advisory Committee, provides strategic advice to the board on the organisation’s international work.

Health Equity Matters’ Chief Executive Officer is appointed by the board and reports directly to the board at routine board meetings. The CEO has the delegation to manage the organisation’s operations, programs and employment agreements with staff.