
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
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
Auditor
Financial Management
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:
- as capital expenditure for the building and carpark extension;
- invest in Government Bonds as a long term investment;
- 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
Audit Committee
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:
- Corruption
- Acts of fraud
- Thief and/misuse of NSJC’s properties, assets or resources
- Breach of laws