Our governance

2021-22 Territory Board

The Board is responsible for providing governance oversight to the Australia Territory in accordance with Australian law, all requirements under International Headquarters’ Orders and Regulations, and the principles of theology, mission, integrity and compliance.

The Board is also responsible for strategically positioning the territory so that it has a sustainable, major influence on Australian society, and to provide advice and assistance to the Trustees.

The Board is chaired by the Territorial Commander and accountable to the General for its responsibilities.

Board membership for the period 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022 is as listed:

• Commissioner Robert Donaldson, Chair • Colonel Geanette Seymour, Alternate Chair (ceased 1 January 2022)

Colonel Mark Watts (commenced 1 January 2022) • Richard Grellman AM, Lead Independent • Greg Couttas • Desley Hargreaves PSM • Commissioner Janine Donaldson • Colonel Winsome Merrett • Adrian Appo OAM • Felicity Natoli • Captain Colin Reynolds • Captain Lydia Hong (ceased 1 February 2022)

Captain Leisa Humbley (commenced 1 February 2022)

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board has been unable to meet in person during the 2021-22 period, with all meetings held virtually.

More about The Salvation Army Australia leadership at salvationarmy.org.au/aboutus/leadership-and-structure/ australian-leadership

Commissioner Robert Donaldson (Chair)

Mr Richard Grellman AM (Lead Independent) (Chair, Professional Standards Committee)

Commissioner Janine Donaldson

Colonel Geanette Seymour (Alternate Chair, ceased 1 January 2022)

Mr Greg Couttas (Chair, Audit and Risk Committee)

Colonel Mark Watts (Alternate Chair, commenced 1 January 2022)

Ms Desley Hargreaves PSM (Chair, Quality and Safety Committee)

Colonel Winsome Merrett Mr Adrian Appo OAM

Ms Felicity Natoli

Captain Lydia Hong (ceased 1 February 2022) Captain Colin Reynolds

Captain Leisa Humbley (commenced 1 February 2022)

Board Committees

AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE The purpose of this committee is to ensure the integrity of the financial statements, the risk management framework and the system of internal controls, such that these align with The Salvation Army’s values and meet its legislative and regulatory obligations.

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE The purpose of this committee is to fairly and objectively identify and nominate suitably qualified candidates for appointment to the Board.

PASTORAL COMMITTEE The purpose of this committee is to improve the depth and breadth of the spiritual life of The Salvation Army in Australia; and to guide the movement so that it operates in accordance with its God-given mission to: “Share the love of Jesus by caring for people, creating faith pathways, building healthy communities and working for justice”.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS COMMITTEE The purpose of this committee is to define and promote within The Salvation Army a world’s best-practice response to allegations of abuse and ensure The Salvation Army is actively enhancing child safety within the Australian community.

QUALITY AND SAFETY COMMITTEE The purpose of this committee is to define and promote a culture of continuous quality improvement and consumer safety that aligns with The Salvation Army’s values and meets its legislative and regulatory obligations.

The Under-35 Board Participant Program

In April 2021, the Board approved the concept of an Under-35 Board Participant Program. This initiative ensures that the under-35 cohort of Salvationists is able to participate in the governance of The Salvation Army in Australia.

On 1 December 2021, the Board approved the appointment of Anthony Eden and Claire Clifton to the Under-35 Board Participant Program.

As participating observers, the Under-35 Board Participants attend all Board meetings with full access to the information being considered at each meeting and any additional communications provided to the Board. This position does not carry a Board vote. However, full participation in all Board discussions is encouraged.