Corporate Governance
Hillsong Church Ltd and related entities ("Hillsong Church") subscribe to a high standard of accountability and stewardship. Each entity of Hillsong Church is charitable in nature and share capital is not issued nor dividends paid. Hillsong Church's governance policies are based on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) Principles of Good Corporate Governance and Best Practice Recommendations, together with adherence to foundational Biblical values. Hillsong Church has opted to make the disclosures in this statement in the interests of good governance and in recognition of its financial and social responsibilities, even though it is not required by law to comply with ASX principles.
Board of Directors
Role of the Board
Each entity within Hillsong Church operates under a common board. The Board of each entity is responsible for the leadership of the respective entity as well as financial and spiritual oversight, in doing so focus is given to the implementation and review of strategies and values. Decisions are framed by both faith and due diligence.
To fulfil this role, the Board is responsible for Hillsong Church's overall corporate governance including formulating its strategic direction, approving and monitoring capital expenditure, setting remuneration policies, establishing and monitoring the achievement of management's goals and ensuring the integrity of internal controls and management information systems. It is also responsible for approving and monitoring financial and other reporting.
Directors have a duty to question, request information, raise any issue of concern, and fully canvass all aspects of any issue confronting Hillsong Church and vote on any resolution
according to their own judgement.
The Board has delegated responsibility for operation and administration of Hillsong Church to the executive management.
Chairperson's Responsibilities
The chairperson is elected by the Board. The chairperson:
- provides leadership and spiritual oversight of the Board and Hillsong Church
- ensures membership of the Board is most suited to the needs of Hillsong Church
- facilitates Board discussions to ensure that the core issues facing Hillsong Church are addressed
- guides and promotes the ongoing effectiveness of the Board and individual directors
Independent professional advice & access to Hillsong's information
Each director has the right of access to all relevant information and to Hillsong Church's executives and, they may seek independent professional advice from a suitably qualified
advisor at Hillsong Church's expense. The director must consult with an advisor suitably qualified in the relevant field, and obtain the Board's approval of the fee payable for
the advice before proceeding with the consultation. A copy of the advice received by the director is made available to all other members of the Board.
Composition of the Board
The names of the directors in office for each of the entities within Hillsong Church were identical at the date of this report.
The composition of the Board is determined using the
following principles:
- a minimum of five directors
- the size of the Board will be such as to result in efficient decision making
- a cross section of the community comprising of members with both pastoral and business backgrounds so as to offer a wide range of expertise, skills and experience
- Board members are elected on a 12 month renewable basis
Board members are elected in accordance with the constitution of the entity based on their adherence to Biblical principles relating to character and reputation, temperament, family relationships, ability, faith and spiritual maturity.
Remuneration of the Board
Directors serve in a voluntary capacity. Remuneration received by executive Director's is in respect of their executive duties. There is no relationship between the packages received by executive directors and Hillsong Church's financial performance. Each entity within Hillsong Church is a not-for-profit organisation, and no equity-based remuneration packages are entered into.
Committees
Operational Committee
Membership: Mr G Aghajanian, Mr J A'Bell, Mr G Thomson and executive non-directors.
The Operational Committee's responsibilities include:
- advising the Chairperson during the time between Board meetings
- reviewing weekly and/or monthly performance
- taking action on matters not requiring full board attention
- making policy recommendations to the Board
- approving contracts and reviewing budgets
- making recommendations to the Board on performance and strategic issues
Audit
Membership: Mr N Saleh, Mr L Howard-Smith, Mr D Cooper-Williams, Mr G Aghajanian
The Board in its entirety fulfils the function otherwise held by an Audit Committee, their role includes:
- review of monthly and annual financial reports
- reviewing the adequacy of internal controls
- discussing external audit plans and the results of the annual audit
- ensuring that the independence of the external auditor in maintained
Remuneration
The responsibilities of the Board in its entirety relating to Remuneration include:
- determining the overall remuneration strategy
- determining the terms of employment
- responsibility for the recruitment, retention and termination policies for senior management and executives
- approving all newly budgeted salary positions
- monitoring overall staff levels and performance to ensure that the organisation is effectively and efficiently meeting its goals
Remuneration Committee
Membership: Mr N Saleh, Mr L Howard-Smith, Mr D Cooper-Williams and Mr G Aghajanian
The Remuneration Committee is responsible to review and set salaries.
Recognising and Managing Risk
The Board regularly assesses the success of each of the key services and programs provided by Hillsong Church. These activities are continually being renewed to maintain their relevance and effectiveness.
Hillsong Church values the safety of children and applies strict adherence to Child Protection Policies. Hillsong Church endorses and complies with the requirements of the NSW Commission for Children and Young People.
Ethical Standards and Values
Hillsong Church is a Christ-centred Ministry and therefore the directors, management and employees are expected to conduct themselves with the highest of ethical and biblical standards. The code of conduct for directors is outlined in each respective constitution. Employees are bound by the code of conduct included within their employment contract.
The Board periodically reviews the mission statement and values of the organisation to ensure that the practices of Hillsong Church are in line with its objectives.
Conflicts of Interest
Any actual or potential conflict of interest and all related party transactions must be fully disclosed and approved by the applicable respective Boards.
Political Impartiality
Hillsong Church's objectives are distinct and independent from any political agenda. Hillsong Church does not make financial contributions to or align itself with any political party or candidate.
Responsibility to the Community
Privacy Policy
Hillsong Church has adopted a privacy policy which respects the privacy of personal information. For a full disclosure of Hillsong Church's Privacy Policy please click here.
Occupational Health & Safety
Hillsong Church recognises its moral and legal responsibility to provide a safe and healthy work environment for employees, voluntary workers and visitors and will endeavour to ensure they do nothing to place themselves or the local community at risk of injury or illness. For a full disclosure of Hillsong Church's Occupational Health and Safety Policy please click here.
Donation Policy
General donations and offerings received are applied at the Board's discretion in line with the respective constitution. Specifically designated offerings are wholly applied to the project/ministry for which the donor specifies.
