The Board
Samaritans is the welfare arm of the Anglican Church Diocese of Newcastle. As such, the general purpose and direction of the Agency is responsible to the Diocese of Newcastle. The Chair is appointed by the Bishop of Newcastle, 3 members are appointed by Synod, 5 members appointed by Diocesan Council and 3 are appointed members by the Board itself.
Board Members
Bishop Brian Farran, The Bishop of Newcastle (President, Ex Officio)
Bishop Peter Stuart (Chair)
Mr Robert Caddies
Mr John Cleary (Ex Officio)
Mrs Wendy Cross (Treasurer)
Mrs Helen Duncan
Professor Brian English
Mr John Kilpatrick
Mrs Pat Korsman
The Venerable Stephen Pullin
Dr Graham Vimpani
Professor Trevor Waring
The Board plays a key role in ensuring that the agency mission and vision are upheld and that management is effectively directing the ongoing operations of the agency in accordance with the strategic plan. The role of the Board is to exercise good governance, focus on expanding the organisation’s resources and to minimise the risks that might prevent the organisation from achieving its objectives.
The Board ensures there is a system for the regular review of the effectiveness of its financial control, internal control, performance reporting, and policies and procedures covering:
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Compliance monitoring – ensuring compliance with Samaritans objects, mission, vision and values of the organisation, and with its constitution.
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Strategic planning and organisational performance – strategy formulation in conjunction with Senior Management, setting or approving plans and budget to achieve strategies and monitoring performance against them.
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Regulatory monitoring – ensuring that Samaritans complies with all relevant laws, regulations and regulatory requirements.
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Financial monitoring – reviewing forecasts, monitoring management and financial performance to ensure the solvency, financial strength and good performance of Samaritans.
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Financial reporting – considering and approving annual financial statements and required reports to government.
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Organisational structure – ensuring an appropriate framework of delegation and internal control is developed and maintained.
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Succession and remuneration planning – planning for Board, Chief Executive and executive succession, and determining Senior Management remuneration.
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Social responsibility – considering the social, ethical and environmental impact of all Samaritans activities and operations and ensuring that these are acceptable.
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Risk management - reviewing and monitoring the effectiveness of risk management and compliance in Samaritans; agreeing or ratifying all policies and decisions on matters which might create significant risk to Samaritans, financial or otherwise.
The operations of the Board are supported through several sub-committees including Finance, Audit and Risk Management, Remuneration, Governance and the Quality Assurance and Evaluation Committee.