Key elements of our corporate governance

GOVERNANCE STATEMENT AND PRINCIPLES  

The Board operates under a model of strategic governance, whereby the Board links the legal and values of the organisation, produces explicit governing policies and assures CEO performance by establishing clear expectations for performance and clear mechanisms for accountability. The purpose of the Board, on behalf of relevant stakeholders, is to see to it that Housing Plus achieves its outcomes. It has in place eight principles to guide its actions:

• PRINCIPLE 1: Lay solid foundations for management and oversight
• PRINCIPLE 2: Principle 2: Structure the Board to add value
• PRINCIPLE 3: Act ethically and responsibly
• PRINCIPLE 4: Safeguard integrity in financial reporting
• PRINCIPLE 5: Make timely and balanced disclosure
• PRINCIPLE 6: Respect the rights of Housing Plus members
• PRINCIPLE 7: Recognise and manage risk
• PRINCIPLE 8: Remunerate fairly and responsibly

GOVERNANCE POLICIES & PROGRAMS

The policies set out the functions and responsibilities and main operating mechanisms of the Board in order to clarify Board and management accountabilities for the organisation’s strategic direction and performance, including CEO delegations, risk oversight and control, compliance, as well as processes to be followed to manage conflicts of interests, recruitment and appointment of new Directors and induction.

GOVERNANCE PROGRAMS

• Strategic Planning: Business, Operational and Financial Plans
• Key Strategic Plan: Financial, IT, Asset Management and HR
• Financial Management
• Risk Management
• Feedback, Complaints and Appeals
• Compliance and Assurance
• Regulations, Legislation and Standards
• Whistleblower
• Fraud and Corruption
• Business Continuity
• Governance Review and Development.

BOARD COMMITTEES

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE, AUDIT & FINANCE COMMITTEE, REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

The Board has standing committees to assist in the execution of the Board’s responsibilities. They do not abrogate any Directors of their responsibilities. Each committee has Board approved terms of reference, which are reviewed regularly. All meetings are minuted and reported to the Board on their activities.

TENANT ADVISORY GROUPS

The Tenant Advisory Groups are established to provide feedback on matters of importance to tenants and, in particular, customer service related policies.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Housing Plus conducts its business to the highest standards of honesty, integrity, respect and fairness when dealing with all its clients and employees. Housing Plus has in place appropriate policies to promote ethical and responsible decision making, including:

• Code of Conduct for Directors and Staff
• Code of Ethics for Directors and Staff
• Managing Conflict of Interest Policy
• Fraud and Corruption Policy
• Register of Interests; and
• Statement of Tenants Rights