Governance
Lifeline has a clearly defined governance framework that promotes transparency and accountability.
Overview
Our governance framework is based on a set of values and behaviours that underpin our day to day activities, provide transparency, and protect the interests of stakeholders.
Lifeline is governed in accordance with the documents which can be accessed via the links on the right.
Meet our Patron
Lifeline Australia is honoured to have John Brogden AM as our Patron.
Having been part of the fabric of Lifeline Australia for 12 years in his role as Lifeline Australia Chairman, John’s vision, leadership and passion have been a true driving force in Lifeline’s role as Australia’s leading suicide-prevention organisation.
John’s political career began in NSW Parliament in 1996. Six years later on his 33rd birthday, he was elected Leader of the Opposition – the youngest person ever to lead a major political party at Federal or State level in Australia.
With a host of achievements and accolades to his name, it is John’s lived experience and diagnosis of depression and suicidality in early 2006 following a suicide attempt that has reframed the discussion around crisis support and suicide prevention.
Through publicly sharing his story, John continues to lead the way in how Australians talk about mental health and suicide.
Lifeline Australia Board
The Lifeline Australia Board consists of 12 Board Members – seven directors elected by Members, 2 directors nominated or appointed by the Members of Lifeline Australia and 3 directors appointed by the Board.
The Board is responsible for providing strategic direction, effective governance, and leadership on behalf of the Members.
It can delegate responsibility but not accountability to the Chief Executive Officer of Lifeline Australia. 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 can be found to the right, and further details about the Board’s role and responsibilities are defined in the Constitution of Lifeline Australia and in the Lifeline Governance Charter.
The Board of Lifeline Australia actively promote ethical and responsible decision-making.
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.
Meet our BoardOur Member Organisations
Lifeline's 18 Members own and operate 41 accredited Lifeline Centres. Lifeline Australia's Membership Policy sets out the criteria for Membership, the obligations of Members, and the processes to be followed where there are disputes between Lifeline Australia and a Member.
Delegations
The Board has delegated specific responsibilities to the CEO in accordance with the Lifeline Australia Board Charter which broadly outlines the Chief Executive Delegation Policies in terms of:
1. Overarching limitations
2. Financial planning
3. Financial management
4. Investments
5. Remuneration and benefits
6. Protection of assets
7. Communication and support to the Board
8. Emergency Chief Executive succession
9. Employment conditions
10. Privacy
11. Public affairs
The Lifeline Australia Delegations Policy details the limits applicable to specific financial and Human Resourcing actions from the Board to the CEO.