Governance

• Introduction & Constitution
• Role of the Board
• Meet the BHL Board
• Board Elections

Introduction & Constitution

Bridge Housing Limited (BHL) is a registered non profit company limited by guarantee, we are subject to the Corporations Act 2001 and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission. 

The Bridge Housing Limited Constitution sets out how Bridge Housing will run its activities. Our Board Charter sets out the role, responsibilities, structure and processes of the Board of Bridge Housing Limited.

Bridge Housing Limited is managed by a Board of Directors. The directors have skills in finance and accounting, law, asset management/community housing management, human resource management/community organisation management and social housing provision. Directors are elected by members at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Our Annual Report provides a review of the year's activities and our financial health.  The minutes of the Bridge Housing 2010 AGM can be viewed here.

Role of the Board

Our Directors are responsible for the corporate governance of the organisation and that they carry out their duties as directors to achieve the best interest of Bridge Housing Limited.

All Directors operate under the Bridge Housing Limited Governance Principles, to ensure Directors address their corporate, legal, financial and audit responsibilities and exercise care, skills and diligence in their duties. In summary, the eight governance principles are:

1: Lay solid foundations for management and oversight
BHL Directors are aware of their responsibilities under Federal or State legislation and will ensure that BHL abides by its Constitution and obligations as a trading entity, an employer, a contractor and a responsible and ethical corporate citizen. The Board meets bi-monthly and has established two subcommittees Finance and Risk and Asset and Procurement to assist the Board with consideration and decision-making with operational matters.

2: Structure the Board to add value
BHL board is a skills-based board. Directors are chosen from candidates who have expertise and experience in one or more of the following areas: social housing management; finance; community welfare; property development and procurement; law; social policy development; accounting; asset management; information and technology; human resources management.

The Board will seek and appoint Directors who meet these skill categories to provide the effective governance and direction to the Bridge Housing and who, between them, can reliably carry out all the necessary functions of its board.

3: Promote ethical and responsible decision-making
The Board will ensure that BHL conducts its business to the highest standards of honesty, integrity, respect and fairness when dealing with all its customers and employees. It adheres to the highest ethical principles and these are expressed in our

• Fraud and Corruption Policy
• Code of Ethics for Directors and staff
• Code of Conduct for Directors
• Managing Conflict of Interest Policy
• Register of Interests
• Tenants Rights statement

4: Safeguard integrity in financial reporting
The Board will ensure that BHL's fnancial statements present a true and fair view of BHL's financial condition and operational results in all material respects and in accordance with international accounting standards.

5: Make timely and balanced disclosure
The Board will ensure that information is made available in a timely manner to BHL's stakeholders, clients, support agencies, regulatory and funding bodies, members and staff, is factual and clearly and objectively expressed.

6: Respect the rights of BHL members
The Board will ensure that BHL has policies, systems and procedures that promote the interests and rights of members and facilitates the effective exercise of those rights.

7: Recognise and manage risk
The Board will ensure that BHL has comprehensive risk management policies, and sound risk management systems and procedures that ensure it has good internal controls.

8: Remunerate fairly and responsibly
The Board will ensure that BHL has remuneration and employment policies and practices in place that assist with retaining and attracting qualifed and motivated staff, including its CEO.

Board Elections

Two directors must stand down every year at the Annual General Meeting but are eligible for re-nomination and re-election. Directors must stand down after four years but are eligible for re-nomination and re-election. No director can serve for more than eight consecutive years. In the event of any vacancies the Board has the power to fill the vacancy until the next AGM.

The Chief Executive Officer is not a member of the Board but attends the monthly Board meetings.

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