Governance reforms
Australian Red Cross Society’s National Council on 14 February 2025 adopted comprehensive Governance Reforms that will help ensure Australian Red Cross Society’s governance structure is:
- Contemporary and fit for purpose.
- Aligned with International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement requirements.
- Well placed to support Australian Red Cross Society in achieving its vision and purpose (now and in the future).
These Governance Reforms are a significant development for Australian Red Cross, further enabling the vital role our people perform as part of the world's largest humanitarian network.
The Governance Reforms are the cumulation of a comprehensive review process over the last four years, which included consultation with:
- Governance Members of Australian Red Cross, including Divisional Advisory Boards.
- The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
- The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Joint Statutes Commission.
- Other National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
- Other Australian member-based organisations.
These Governance Reforms are anticipated to be effective from 1 July 2025, subject to approval by Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Nominations for Board Members
Australian Red Cross is seeking to appoint up to eight people who have the necessary skills and experience to join the Board of Australian Red Cross.
A copy of the Board Member role description can be accessed here: Board Member role description.
As a member-based organisation, Australian Red Cross is seeking nominations from suitably qualified people who:
- Have been a Member of Australian Red Cross for at least 12 months (Reserved Board Members) to fill four positions on the new Board, being two positions that will be appointed from the Effective Date of the new Rules, and two positions to be appointed from the end of the 2025 National Council Annual General Meeting on 5 December 2025; and
- Need not have been a Member of Australian Red Cross to date (Open Board Members) to fill four available positions on the new Board.
Spencer Stuart has been appointed by Australian Red Cross to support with the recruitment of Board Members. Spencer Stuart can be contacted by email at arc@spencerstuart.com.
To nominate, or obtain more details on the role, including to obtain a Briefing Pack, please contact Spencer Stuart by email at arc@spencerstuart.com.
Nominations for Reserved Board Member roles will close on 1 May 2025. If you are applying for a reserved Board Member role, please specify this in the covering email.
Please note that nominations for Open Board Member roles are encouraged to be submitted by 1 May 2025, but nominations will continue to be accepted until all vacancies for Open Board Member roles have been filled.
Nominations for President
The President’s role is the pivotal ambassador for Australian Red Cross, anticipated to be held by a person of eminence within the Australian community. The President’s effectiveness hinges on their ability to engage and build a genuine rapport with stakeholders at all levels, from our grassroots Members and Volunteers through to highly influential stakeholders.
The role involves public speaking engagements, international representation and other ceremonial duties, as well as acting as our ambassador and relationship builder: opening doors and creating pathways for the continued growth, impact and long term success of Australian Red Cross.
A copy of the President’s role description can be accessed here: President’s role description.
Suitable candidates should email a cover letter and CV setting out their suitability for the role to 2025PresidentNominations@redcross.org.au.
Nominations will close on 1 May 2025.
For any questions regarding the President’s role, please contact Jennifer Currie, Society Secretary & Chief Governance Officer by email to SocietySecretary@redcross.org.au.
Which documents are changing?
Subject to the approval by the Governor-General of Australia being received by 1 June 2025, with effect from 1 July 2025:
- The new Rules will replace the current Rules.
- The Governance Regulations will replace the Divisional Regulations.
Summary of the most significant changes
Composition: National Council includes:
- The President.
- The Chair, Deputy Chair, and Youth Member of each Division.
- Up to Six Special Councillors (eminent Members who have made significant contributions to Australian Red Cross).
Role: National Council’s role as the peak representative body for Members has been strengthened through:
- Representation in the open and competitive Board Member and Board Chair appointment processes; and
- A minimum of two National Council meetings per year.
- Board Members no longer being on National Council to reduce any perceived conflict of interest.
Size: Board made up of 8-10 Board Members (reduced from 16 Board Members).
Member Connection: There are four roles reserved for anyone who has been a Member for at least 12 months, who meets the skills and experience requirements. This is to ensure the Board continues to have a strong appreciation and understanding of Members.
Appointments: National Council appoints all Board Members, except the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Chair, following an open, advertised and competitive recruitment process to ensure the Board has the right skills and experience.
Name: Each ‘Divisional Advisory Board’ will be known as a ‘Division Council’ which better reflects the role and will assist in role clarity for new candidates and external parties.
Role: The role of Division Councils has been reinforced to ensure a clear and consistent understanding. It includes supporting Members and Volunteers in that Division with promotion and recruitment, communication and feedback, governance of local activities and advice on issues of significance to the Division.
The current role of President will be split into two.
The President who is elected by National Council is a pivotal ambassador for Australian Red Cross, to be held by a person of eminence within the Australian community. Their role will include:
- Public speaking engagements and other ceremonial duties.
- Chairing the National Council.
- Acting as our ambassador and relationship builder.
The Board Chair who is elected by the Board (from amongst the Board Members) will lead the Board and undertake normal functions of a Board chair.
To ensures a consistent approach to tenure, while balancing the importance of stability and renewal:
- Role lengths for all governance roles will now be a maximum of three terms of up to three years each.
- A minimum retirement period of three years must occur before any further service in that role.
Clarification that:
- Membership is belonging and a right to participate in governance at Australian Red Cross.
- Volunteering is the activity, which occurs across a broad range of programs and services including fundraising, community service, patient transport and emergency services (and is often done by Members).
Volunteers are encouraged to become a Member, so that they have the right (but not the obligation) to participate in the governance of Australian Red Cross.
Membership renewals will now occur at the same time each year for all Members to make renewal easier and more efficient.
Compulsory membership fees removed to ensure membership is open to all (without discrimination), which is consistent with our Fundamental Principles of Unity and Impartiality.
Members are welcome to make a donation instead to ensure their valued financial contribution is still contributing to the work of Australian Red Cross. This donation will also be tax deductible.
Download a summary of the most significant changes.
Questions and Answers
We have developed a Question and Answer document that answers a range of questions in connection with the Governance Reforms. Download the Q&A document.
Who to contact for further information or help
- For current and prospective Members and Volunteers: your Community Mobilisation Team or Divisional Advisory Board Chair.
- For Employees: your relevant team lead or Executive.
This page was updated on 3 April 2025.
