Role of Crown Entity Board Members
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of a Board member of a Crown Entity?
The role of a Board member of a crown entity is to direct, govern and supervise the Commission’s business.
What is governance?
There is no single definition of governance but it is generally understood to encompass authority, leadership, direction and control.
Who are the Board members responsible to?
The Board members are responsible to the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector through the Chair of the Charities Commission.
How is the Board held accountable?
The Charities Act provides information on the accountability documents that the Board needs to give to the Minister and/or have tabled in Parliament each year. These include a Statement of Intent and an Annual Report. What needs to be in these documents is covered under the Public Finance Act 1989.
The Minister also has an annual “Output Agreement” with the Chair of the Commission focusing on the work the Commission is expected to undertake each year.
The Charities Act provides for the Auditor-General to be the Commission’s auditor.
How long are Board members appointed for?
Under the Charities Act 2005 members can be appointed for a term of up to three years. Individual terms depend on the composition of the Board.