Our Corporate Governance
Overview
Lifeline is governed in accordance with:
Our approach to corporate governance is based on a set of values and behaviours that underpin day-to-day activities, provide transparency and protect the interests of stakeholders. This approach includes a commitment to corporate governance excellence, which Lifeline sees as fundamental to its sustainability and performance.
National Board
The Lifeline National Board consists of 11 National Board Members – eight elected or appointed by Member Organisations and three appointed by the Board.
The Board is responsible for providing strategic direction, effective governance and leadership on behalf of the Members.
The Board meets regularly on the dates shown in the National Board Meeting Schedule.
It can delegate responsibility but not accountability to the chief executive officer of the National Office. The Board has also established a comprehensive framework of committees to support Lifeline in policy formulation, governance and accountability. They meet regularly and their minutes or reports inform decisions made at the Board meetings.
The terms of reference for each of the committees are contained in the Board Governance Charter and further details about the Board’s role and responsibilities are defined in the Constitution of Lifeline Australia and the Lifeline Governance Charter.
Visual diagram of Lifeline's corporate governance model (pdf)
Our Member Organisations
Lifeline's 23 Member Organisations own and operate 42 accredited Centres.
Lifeline CEO
Jane Hayden
Jane Hayden was appointed as Lifeline National Office CEO in 2012 after 3 years leading Lifelines Service Support and Development team. Jane has 20 years of experience in business and IT consulting. For the ten years before joining Lifeline, Jane was a Partner in a national consulting firm serving Australian Government clients. She is a qualified accountant, a member of the Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Jane also serves on several not-for-profit Boards.
Diversity
Lifeline Australia aims to actively promote a corporate culture that supports diversity in the composition of its Board and senior management, in the workplace and amongst its Members. In 2012-13, the Board has identified gender diversity on the Board as a key area for improvement. Currently, 60% of our employees at National Office are female and we have a female to male ratio of 11:10 in management positions. Lifeline Australia’s commitment to diversity is formally outlined in our Diversity Policy: Lifeline Australia Diversity Policy
Ethical Guidelines
The Board and Management of Lifeline Australia actively promote ethical and responsible decision making. The National Board has introduced a set of ethical guidelines for the Board. Every existing Director and all new Directors are required to sign an Ethical Guidelines declaration: Lifeline Australia Ethical Guidelines for Board 2011 (updated)
Annual reports
Lifeline's annual reports are available in our Publications Library.
Further information
For further information about Lifeline's Corporate Governance, or to obtain alternative formats of documents, please contact secretariat@lifeline.org.au
Side Panel
Our vision - an 'Australia free of suicide'.
