National Board Member, Chair of Audit and Risk Committee

Role description

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for humanitarian work? We're looking for a dedicated person to join our National Board and lead our Audit and Risk Committee. In this vital role, you'll help ensure transparency, good governance, and effective risk management within our organisation.

The National Board governs the whole of New Zealand Red Cross to enhance our activities and achieve our mission. At all the times, the National Board considers its fiduciary duties and responsibilities under New Zealand legislation.

Members' responsibilities and powers are outlined in our Constitution and the National Board Charter. 

Constitution

National Board Charter

Key responsibilities are: 

• Providing leadership and direction to support the overall governance of New Zealand Red Cross, nationally as well as potentially within Areas.
• Providing leadership and direction to the Audit and Risk Committee.
• Overseeing the integrity of financial statements and compliance with regulations.
• Identifying and helping to manage risks to the organisation.
• Collaborating with the senior leadership team and external auditors.
• Leading by example and demonstrating trust, integrity, honesty, sound judgment, respect, accountability, diligence, and commitment.

Commitment:

• Meetings are held quarterly. Committee meetings are held quarterly in alignment with National Board meeting dates.
• A time commitment of between 10 and 20 hours per month, this includes reviewing between-meeting decision papers, and attending and participating in meetings, general meetings, and relevant committee meetings, as well as preparation time.
• Members may also be asked to attend area events, such as with area councils, branches, or groups.
• Members are expected to serve on at least one National Board committee and have a high level of commitment to the work of New Zealand Red Cross. Board members may also have liaison roles with area councils, providing governance support locally.
• Members meet with a mix of virtual and face-to-face meetings throughout the year, as well as meeting annually face-to-face at National Council. There's also participation in other meetings, including committee meetings, most frequently being held via teleconference.

Tasks

• Ensure the operational efficiency of New Zealand Red Cross through the Secretary General, Area Councils, branches, groups and Red Cross people, in accordance with the Regulations, and the Secretary General’s delegations.
• Bring independent and informed judgment in making decisions for New Zealand Red Cross.
• Oversee the prudent management of New Zealand Red Cross’ assets, and ensure:
  • financial health and sustainability, and
  • all funding is used in accordance with the aims of New Zealand Red Cross.
• Through the Secretary General, provide direction to employees in accordance with the Constitution, Regulations, supplementary governing documents, and policies adopted or directions given by National Council.
• Approve major capital expenditure, the New Zealand Red Cross annual plans and budgets, and review and monitor their implementation.
• Approve of the Annual Report, consolidated financial statements, and Auditors’ Report, then refer them for adoption by the National Council.
• Ensure compliance with applicable national laws and regulations.
• Determine and uphold New Zealand Red Cross values, adhere to high moral standards and ethical behaviour, and fulfil the National Board’s role with diligence while striving to gain trust and respect at all times.
• Develop a national strategic plan within the relevant strategies and plans adopted by international components of the Movement for approval by National Council. The implementation is monitored and reviewed regularly.
• Appoint, monitor, counsel and — if necessary — dismiss the Secretary General.
• Represent New Zealand Red Cross to stakeholders, acting as an ambassador for the organisation.
• Manage relationships with area chairs as a liaison.
• Protect and grow the New Zealand Red Cross Foundation assets and appoint the Trustees.
• Accept responsibility to grow the organisation, develop its people — and by so doing — enhance the effectiveness and value of New Zealand Red Cross to the wider community.
• Monitor New Zealand Red Cross risk management.
• Review and propose amendment to the Constitution and Regulations.
• Carry out health, safety and wellbeing accountabilities.

Volunteer requirements and training

National Board members are required to have knowledge and experience of the role including legal, ethical, fiduciary, and financial responsibilities.

We're looking for volunteers with the following experience and qualifications: 

• Proven experience in audit, accounting, finance, or risk management.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Commitment to the fundamental principles and values of New Zealand Red Cross.

Personal qualities:

• Interest in international legal issues, humanitarian protection frameworks, and principles of humanitarian action.
• Passion for humanitarian action and the work of non-governmental actors.
• Curiosity and commitment to the mission and values of the Red Cross Movement.
• Goal-oriented focus with an interest in defining personal interest areas for development.
• Enthusiasm and flexibility to work around a changing work schedule and multiple projects.

Health, safety, and wellbeing

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act (2015), New Zealand Red Cross is considered a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking. As such, New Zealand Red Cross has a primary duty of care to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable the health and safety of: 

• Its workers – paid and unpaid.
• Other workers whose activities are influenced or directed by New Zealand Red Cross.
• Others who might be put at risk from the New Zealand Red Cross undertakings or activities. 

Workers include all Red Cross people that undertake activities for New Zealand Red Cross, including volunteer members and employee members. 

The Secretary General and all members of the National Board are ‘Officers’ under the Act, and are responsible for ensuring that New Zealand Red Cross complies with its duties and obligations under the legislation. In practice, this means that the Secretary General and National Board members must: 

• Keep up to date with health, safety, and wellbeing matters at New Zealand Red Cross.
• Understand the nature of activities happening at New Zealand Red Cross, and the relevant hazards and risks associated with those activities.
• Ensure New Zealand Red Cross has appropriate resources in place to manage incidents, hazards, and risks and respond appropriately.
• Verify the use and provision of processes and systems to manage health, safety, and wellbeing.