Corporate Governance

Registration and Compliance

The National St. John Council (“NSJC” in short) is a voluntary welfare Organisation and registered as a society under the Societies Act on 28 July 1970. It is also registered as a Charity and is recognized as an Institution of Public Character (IPC) which allows our donors to enjoy tax deductions.

NSJC is governed by the Constitution of NSJC and has complied with the Code of Governance for Charities and Institutions of Public Character.

Members of the Council

NSJC is governed by a volunteer Board of Council Members (BOCM) whose members are elected/appointed according to the NSJC’s Constitution. Being the highest policy and decision making body of NSJC, the BOCM has the ultimate responsibility of ensuring that NSJC is governed and managed responsibly and prudently to ensure the effectiveness, credibility and sustainability of the organization.

The BOCM comprises the Chairman, Vice-Chairmen, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer and other Board Members. The BOCM charts the overall direction of NSJC and is responsible for the promotion of the Policy and Programmes of NSJC. It oversees the direction of NSJC and ensures that NSJC’s principles are adhered to. All members serve a two two-year terms and can stand for re-election after their tenure during the Annual General Meeting. The Honorary Treasurer serves a one two-year term and can only be eligible for re-election to the same post after a lapse of one term.

Election of Office Bearers

The Chairman, Vice-Chairmen, Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer of the Council are elected/appointed from amongst its members. Other members of the Council are appointed by the Chairman after consultation with such other persons, if any, as he may deemed fit to consult.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee (ExCo) which has been formed since 2011 – comprises the Chairman, Vice-Chairmen, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer and at least one other member. It has executive powers to administer the affairs of NSJC in accordance with its Constitution and provides guidance and oversight to the management on the operations of NSJC. These include the setting of policies on operational matters and approval of expenditures within the financial limits provided for in the financial procedure manual. ExCo shall keep the BOCM fully appraised on the affairs of NSJC and where appropriate, refer certain matters to the BOCM for approval.

Committees

At the first meeting of the BOCM immediately following the Annual General Meeting, the Chairman shall appoint such committees as may be deemed necessary.

The committees (Com) are responsible for overseeing the Departments under their purview and provide policy directions and guidance to the ExCo and Management.

The Chairman and the Honorary Secretary shall be ex-officio members of the committees.

Honorary Treasurer

The Honorary Treasurer is duly appointed under the Constitution of NSJC and shall he responsible for the proper functioning of the Management administrating financial matters.

Chief Operating Officer

The Chief Operating Officer serves as Secretariat Officer of the Board and NSJC. He supervises the work of all employees. He is in attendance at all meetings of the Board.

Auditor

The accounts of NSJC are audited annually by a public accountant appointed by NSJC.

Financial Management

The financial statements of NSJC are drawn up in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Accounting Practice (RAP 6) and the Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (FRS).

Fund Raising and Donations

NSJC has established internal guidelines on fundraising that are adhered to for all fundraising events. These guidelines are based on the best practices set out by the National Council of Social Service and the Charity Council.

The committee for each fundraising event consists of volunteers and supported by staff. The donors are informed of our objectives and targets. The funds raised are for supporting NSJC programmes and activities in “Service to Mankind”.

Conflict of Interest Policy

Every person who has been or will be in any way, whether directly or indirectly, faced with a conflict situation (actual, potential or perceived) are required to make a full and frank disclosure to the parties responsible for making the decision and are excluded from the decision making process relating to that matter.

Immediate family members are treated as an interest of that person, and include the spouse, siblings, parents and children.

All interested person transactions pertaining to staff of NSJC must have obtained the prior approval of the Chairman.

Interested person transaction pertaining to the BOCM must obtain the prior approval of the Chairman and any transaction that the Chairman is an interested person, must obtain the prior approval of the Audit -Committee. All BOCM made annual declaration at the beginning of the term.

Reserves Policy

NSJC targets to keep about 3 months of operational expenses as short term investment in the form of fixed deposits on month-to-month basis with auto rollover; and in fixed deposits for a period of 3 months and thereon. The rest of the money shall be kept as investment in the following form:

  1. as capital expenditure for the building and carpark extension;
  2. invest in Government Bonds as a long term investment;
  3. deposit as long term Fixed Deposit with the banks for a period of 3 years and thereon.

Designated Fund for Corps

This Designated Fund represents allocations by certain Districts of the Brigade to their respective Corps in prior years. The allocation was made out of proceeds from fundraising events. These funds are meant for Corps’ expenses only.

Investment -Committee

The Investment Committee is appointed by the BOCM to exercise prudence and good stewardship in relation to the investment of NSJC funds to look into generating higher returns in the long run with a reasonable amount of risk.

Audit Committee

The Audit -Committee is appointed by the BOCM to assist NSJC in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities for the financial reporting process, the system of internal control, the audit process, and NSJC’s process for monitoring compliance with the laws and regulations and the code of conduct.

Whistle Blowing Policy

NSJC whistle blowing policy aims to provide an avenue for staff, volunteers and external parties to raise concerns and offer reassurance that they will be protected from victimization for whistle blowing in good faith.

This policy covers issues where the following may be suspected:

  1. Corruption
  2. Acts of fraud
  3. Thief and/misuse of NSJC’s properties, assets or resources
  4. Breach of laws