Annual Report - Northern Health

Corporate GovernanceAppointment of DirectorsTerms of appointment vary from one to three years, at an annualsalary set by the Minister in accordance with guidelines issuedby the Office of the Public Service Commissioner. Note: Boardchanges subsequent to the end of the financial year wereas follows:• On 30 June 2012 the period of appointment ofMs Sue Renkin expired. Ms Renkin completed threeyears of service.• On 1 July, 2012, on the recommendation of the Minister, theGovernor-in-Council appointed Ms Rima Newman fora period of three years expiring on 30 June 2015.• On 1 July, 2012, on the recommendation of the Minister, theGovernor-in-Council reappointed Professor Vin Massaro andMs Marilyn Beaumont for a period of three years expiring on30 June 2015.Role of the BoardThe role of the Board is to exercise good governance in theachievement of Northern Health’s stated objectives. Keyaspects of this governance role include:• Setting the organisation’s strategic direction;• Establishing a policy framework (primary policy);• Appointing the Chief Executive Officer and monitoringthe performance of the Chief Executive Officer;• Evaluating organisational performance;• Ensuring organisational accountability and compliancewith legislative requirements; and• Evaluation of the Board’s own effectiveness ingovernance The Directors contribute to the governanceof Northern Health collectively as a board throughattendance at meetings, of which there are 11 per year.Individual contribution occurs through participation orchairmanship of the various Committees of the Boardand between Committee meetings they are oftenapproached to direct or assist management in theperformance of their Northern Health functions.Directors also give their time to attend significant functions andMinisterial events across Northern Health. The Board meetsmonthly, with 11 meetings held in the financial year1 July, 2011 to 30 June, 2012.Board Meetings & Access to ManagementAt these meetings, members of the Northern Health Executiveregularly present papers on their areas of responsibility in theHealth Service. Between meetings, individual Board membershave regular contact with management through committee orproject involvement and are regularly contacted by the ChiefExecutive Officer on major issues. Northern Health comprisesfive separate campuses, and the Directors are encouraged toundertake site visits in order to view first hand the activities andservices provided at hospitals and facilities.Delegation of FunctionsThe by-laws provide for the delegation of duties by the Board,and the Board has approved a detailed Delegations Policyenabling designated Northern Health executives to performtheir duties through the exercise of set authorities. The ChiefExecutive Officer may vary such delegations downward duringperiods when, or in areas where, tighter temporary controlsare required. However delegated authorities cannot be variedupward to the extent that they would exceed delegationsinitially approved by the Board.Board CommitteesDirectors lend their expertise to the operations of Committeesof the Board and in this way some of the general functionsof the Board are delegated to individuals or small groups ofDirectors. During the year the following Board Committeescomprised the Directors listed:Audit & Risk CommitteeMr Brian Joyce (Chair)Professor Vin MassaroMs Sue RenkinMs Sabine PhillipsIn addition to these board members, representativesfrom management also attend meetings of the Audit& Risk Committee.During the year the following staff were in regularattendance:Mr Greg Pullen (Chief Executive Officer)Mr Sam Costanzo (Executive Director, Finance, Client DataManagement, Corporate Communications and Foundation)Mr Robert Burnham (Executive Director, Corporate Services,IM & ICT & Diagnostic Services)Mr Henk de Deugd (Executive Director, Corporate Services)A/Prof Kwang Lim (Chief Medical Officer)Ms Jenni Smith (Executive Director, Ambulatory and ConsultingServices/Chief Allied Health Officer)Ms Maree Cuddihy (Executive Director, Business Performance,Planning and Workforce and Clinical Governance)Ms Robynne Cooke, Executive Director, Medical and ContinuingCare Services/Chief Nursing Officer)10 annual report Northern Health 11/12