The Board acts in the best interests of HCSA to fulfil its mission of empowering the vulnerable to find purpose for a more abundant life. It also ensures there are adequate resources for the operations and programmes of HCSA and that such resources are effectively and efficiently managed; that there are processes in place to ensure HCSA complies with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, and there is an appropriate code of conduct, which upholds the core values of HCSA and processes to ensure compliance with the code.

Day-to-day management of HCSA is delegated by the Board to the management team headed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Initiation of new programmes and activities, changes in current programmes and significant transactions require the approval of the Board/Management Committee. The Board also reviews and approves the annual budget prepared by the management.

The Board strives to ensure that board members, as a group, have core competencies in areas such as law, finance, management, strategic planning, human resource, technology and that it incorporates a degree of diversity. All board members are independent. Independence refers to not having any family, employment, business and other relationship with HCSA, any related companies or their officers that could interfere or be reasonably perceived to interfere, with the exercise of the board member’s independent judgment made in the best interests of HCSA. The President of the Board is not a staff of HCSA.

The Board comprises members from diverse backgrounds with expertise in various industries and professions. The average length of service on the Board is 5-6.5 years.

Given that the Board is small with only one or two members contributing to a specific expertise, HCSA has retained two members who have served more than 10 consecutive years.

Given that more than half of the Board has served for 5 years or less, these board members continue to serve while developing a viable succession plan for the Board through leadership transition and to ensure the necessary skill sets are represented on the Board.

HCSA sets a maximum limit of four consecutive years for the Treasurer.

As at end of the financial year, the Board had 11 members.

HCSA has committees with documented terms of reference. These committees provide oversight in the following areas – Audit & Risk Management, Finance, Investment, Dayspring Programmes, Highpoint Halfway House Programme, Academy, Volunteer & Philanthropy, and People, Culture and Organisation.

The Nomination Committee regularly reviews the structure, size, and composition (including the skills, knowledge, and experience) of the BOD and makes recommendations to the BOD regarding any changes.

Board members may propose members to the Board where nominees possess relevant and critical skillsets that would serve the organisation.

When new members are nominated, they would go through a process of observation, interviews, and application, after which the Nomination Committee would make a recommendation based on which the Board would vote to accept the new member.

New board members undergo an orientation programme and would be encouraged to attend relevant external training programmes particularly relevant to non-profit boards.

Board members are also regularly informed of relevant training courses.

The Board underwent an evaluation exercise in 2020, based on which a few areas of follow-up and development were identified, and action plans developed. The Board also participated in Board Leadership Development Project in 2022 where the Board went through 3 Training Workshops on identified focus areas.

1. Finance

The main purpose of the Finance Committee (‘FC’) is to assist the Board in its oversight responsibilities relating to fiscal management. In furtherance thereof, the FC will review and recommend approval of an annual operating and capital budget, regular review financial results, ensure the maintenance of an appropriate reserve, and oversee the management of organization-wide financial assets. The FC will also ensure that management employs personnel and systems capable of providing timely and accurate financial information to key decision makers.

The FC’s functions, duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: to monitor revenue and expenditures as compared to the budget, to review the draft annual budget prepared by the management and recommend its approval to the Board, to review the annual financial statements and recommend its approval to the Board, to monitor and report to the Board HCSA’s financial status and its compliance with financial policies and governing regulatory requirements, to review accounting and financial management procedures periodically and to review the TOR of the Finance Committee and recommend appropriate changes to the Board.

2. Audit & Risk

The main purpose of the Audit & Risk Committee (‘ARC’) is to provide independent oversight into HCSA’s accounting and financial reporting and oversee the annual audits (both external and internal). The AC will also oversee the following broad areas of work: – corporate governance, ethics, adequacy of internal controls, proper authorization of activities and expenditures and protection of employees raising concerns about serious accounting or auditing irregularities (whistle-blowing).

The ARC’s functions, duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: managing risk and control, overseeing financial reporting, overseeing the publication of monthly management reports and other published financial information, overseeing regulatory, compliance and ethical matters, and assessing and recommending the appointment of external auditors.

3.Property, Development & Maintenance

The main purpose of the Property, Development and Maintenance Sub-Committee (‘PDMC’) is to review, plan and develop a master plan for No. 1 , Lorong 23 Geylang and present the plan to the relevant government authorities to secure a longer lease. The PDC will also regularly assess and recommend actions to ensure the proper maintanence and upkeep of the abovementioned compound.

The PDC’s functions, duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: reviewing and recommending an optimum and right tenant mix, planning for proper land and space usage, recommend appropriate business models for the proposed developments, and to determine the short, intermediate and long-term objectives of the Master Plan and their deliverables.

4.Human Resource

The main purpose of the Human Resource Committee (‘HRC’) is to provide oversight into HCSA’s human capital management strategies and policies, and to provide guidance to the Management on staff management matters.

The HRC’s functions, duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: developing human resources strategy and implementation plan, review and develop HR policies and implementation plans, coach and guide the Management in implementing HR practices and policies, propose to the Board for approval, the annual increment and performance bonus quantum, review and evaluate major HR projects, appoint members to the sub-committee as may be necessary, and to regularly update the Board on relevant internal or external HR developments.

5.Nomination 

The main purpose of the Nomination Committee (‘NC’) is to lead the process for board appointments and make recommendations to the Board and will assist the Board in fulfilling its corporate governance responsibilities regarding all matters related to the appointment and termination of the Directors, their performance evaluation, training etc.

The NC’s functions, duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Assisting the Board in fulfiling its corporate governance responsibilities within its terms of reference, identifying and nominating candidates for the approval of the Board to fill board vacancies as and when they arise, establishing, monitoring and reviewing the Directors’ induction programme and orientation programme and on-going training, reviewing and recommending to the Board the Board’s succession plan for Directors and other senior executives, undertaking annual reviews in light of the current make-up of the Board.

6.Highpoint

The Highpoint (HP) Management Committee (MC) will provide overall direction as determined by the HCSA Board and oversee effective delivery of services by Highpoint to its beneficiaries taking into consideration the needs of the community it serves, so as to afford the best use of human resources, premises, assets and finances.

The HPMC’s functions, duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: corporate governance over Highpoint, review and support of financial and fund-raising matters, regular review of Highpoint’s programmes to ensure effectiveness, support and oversight of staff matters including recognition and succession planning.

7.Dayspring

The Dayspring (DS) Management Committee (MC) will provide overall direction as determined by the HCSA Board and oversee effective delivery of services by Dayspring to its beneficiaries taking into consideration the needs of the community it serves, so as to afford the best use of human resources, premises, assets and finances.

The DSMC’s functions, duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: corporate governance over Dayspring, review and support of financial and fund-raising matters, regular review of Dayspring’s programmes to ensure effectiveness, support and oversight of staff matters including recognition and succession planning.

8.Investment

The Investment Committee’s (IC) role is one of strategic direction and oversight of HCSA’s investment assets. The investment portfolio represents an important asset of HCSA. The Committee fulfils a role in the long-term stewardship of these assets in order to best further the objectives of HCSA.

The IC’s functions, duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: developing and maintaining committee governance documents, assessing investment strategy and risk, selection of investment advisors, and the monitoring and evaluation of investment performance, service and cost.

9. Academic Board

The Academic Board (ACB) is the apex Academic committee of HCSA Academy responsible for formulating and approving the academic policies and procedures of the Academy. The Academic Board advises the management on matters pertaining toa cademic directions, curriculum, training, learning and assessment of the Academy courses.

The ACB functions, duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: advising the management on academic policies and strategic directions, approving teaching, learning and assessment strategies, systems and tools, considering and approving the development of new courses, reviewing and approving changes in existing courses, defining and approving entry and graduation requirements for each course, considering and approving academic standards and the issuance of qualifications and graduation awards, facilitating HCSA Academy to implement and comply with the policies and procedures developed, and establishing sub-committees necessary for the purposes of enabling the ACB to carry out its responsibilities.

The Nomination Committee facilitates the process of re-nomination and re-appointment, which includes seeking interest in serving on the Board, and facilitating a secret ballot for the nomination of appointment holders.

During the AGM, board members would declare their intent, and the names of board members who expressed an interest to serve as an appointment holder would be announced. The Board would then vote on the appointment of each office bearer.

There are documented procedures for Board members and staff to declare actual or potential conflicts of interest. Board members and staff are expected to avoid actual and perceived conflicts of interest, where they have personal interest in business transactions or contracts that HCSA may enter into, or have vested interest in other organisations that HCSA has dealings with. They are expected to declare such interests as soon as possible, abstain from decision-making and not vote or participate in matters where they have a conflict of interest.

The Board reviews and approves the vision and mission of HCSA. They are documented and communicated to its members and the public. Strategic planning meetings are conducted every year to review the strategic plan for HCSA to ensure that the programmes and activities are in line with its objectives.

The Board approves the documented human resource policy of HCSA and exercises policy oversight of the human resource matters in HCSA and ensure that there are systems for regular supervision, appraisal, professional development of staff and also procedures to address grievances and resolve conflicts.

HCSA has imbued a culture of risk management being everyone’s responsibility and this is built into our processes. Starting with good governance, we established distinct roles of responsibilities and accountability with clear measurable outcomes. This allows good risk management processes to be put in place. Such processes include personal data protection processes across the organisation and reliable business continuity plans that allows us to mitigate risks.

HCSA has a Reserve Policy that provides clarity in the management of our reserves. The reserve is an unrestricted fund balance set aside for unexpected events, loss of funding or income and large unbudgeted expenses. The policy applies to that part of HCSA’s income funds that are freely available for its operating purposes. It excludes endowment and restricted funds. This policy serves to assure stakeholders that the reserves is well-managed and HCSA has a strategy for building up reserves of up to one year, that is, the unrestricted funds that are freely available for operating expenses, in order to ensure long-term sustainability.

The Board ensures that adequate internal controls for financial matters are in place and reviews its financial policies, procedures, processes, key programmes and events to ensure that there are adequate resources for the operations and programmes of HCSA and that such resources are effectively and efficiently managed.

The Finance Committee reviews the Financial Policies and Procedures of HCSA and makes recommendations to the Board for its approval. It also reviews HCSA’s financial performance and annual budget of operating and capital expenditure for the Board’s approval. The Committee ensures that HCSA is in compliance with requirement in Financial Reporting Standards (FRS), the Recommended Accounting Practices for Charities (RAP6) and the Code of Governance for Charities and Institution of a Public Character (IPC).

The Finance Committee’s primary function is to assist the Board in fulfilling oversight and fiduciary responsibilities to act in the interest of HCSA’s donors and stakeholders. The Committee reviews the efficiency and effectiveness of HCSA’s material internal controls, including operational and compliance control, risk management and adherence evaluation, ascertaining the adequacy of HCSA’s corporate governance, policy and procedures and the
extent of adherence thereto.

HCSA has a Whistleblowing Policy that provide employees with accessible channels for reporting suspected fraud, dishonest practices or other similar matters.

HCSA has in place processes and practices to ensure that all fundraising activities are honest, ethical and uphold the public’s confidence in fundraising and charities. The Board ensures that all materials used for fundraising contain relevant and accurate information and do not contain any misrepresentation or material omission. HCSA ensures that funds and donations are used in accordance with donors’ intentions and the specific purpose as communicated when soliciting for donations. Processes are in place to ensure that donors’ confidentiality is respected. Any information or records of donors are kept strictly confidential at all times.

HCSA has developed the Volunteer Management System (VMS) to support volunteers through their volunteer journey and help them effectively contribute to the objective of HCSA. The chart below illustrates this system.

HCSA makes available to its stakeholders an annual report that includes information on its programmes, activities, audited financial statements, board members and executive management.

Except for the CEO who is also on the Board, all board members serve on a voluntary basis. No staff is involved in setting his or her own remuneration. The Board reviews and approves employee compensation and benefit packages, including the performance bonus recommended by the Management.

HCSA discloses in its annual report its three highest paid staff in bands.

There is no paid staff who are close members of the CEO or Board Member, who receives more than $50,000 during the year.

HCSA is committed to lawful and ethical behavior in all its activities and requires that Board members and employees conduct themselves in a manner that complies with all applicable laws, regulations and internal policies, upholds the core value of HCSA and accurately portrays its image to HCSA’s stakeholders, donors and the public.

In compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act 2012, HCSA will not share any personal details with a third party without one’s consent, and all personal data is kept strictly confidential.