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Governance
This section contains information and resources about the governance issues relating to Registered Community Health Centres (CHCs).
The Health Services Legislation Amendment Act 2008, passed on 4 December 2008, provided a new framework for CHC governance and accountability.
The Act followed a review of CHC Services in 2008. The review was supported by consultation with CHCs, peak bodies such as the Victorian Healthcare Association, and unions.
The size, scope and nature of CHCs and the services they provide have changed significantly since the Health Services Act, which regulates them, was introduced in 1988. The Act now provides a new framework for CHC governance and accountability which comprises a voluntary registration scheme and performance standards to ensure that quality services are provided to the Victorian people.
The 38 CHCs that registered in 2010 under the new framework receive community health and dental funding from the Department of Health and are subject to ongoing monitoring arrangements under the new governance framework.
Details on the monitoring of performance standards for registered community health centres.
Registered CHCs operate as companies limited by guarantee. Information on ASIC's requirements for companies limited by guarantee can be found on the Australian Securities and Investments Commission website.
As per section 57D of the Health Services Act 1988, the department maintains a register of community health centres. The following information from the register is attached in relation to each registered CHC:
- the name of the registered CHC
- the address of the registered CHC
- contact information for the registered CHC.
Register of registered community health centres (100kb, MS Excel)
Details on how to apply to register as a registered CHC.
Resources
Questions and answers: New Governance and Accountability Arrangements for Community Health Centres
Information on requirements for registration as a Community Health Centre and link to online form.
Governance guidelines for directors and members of boards of public entities (459kb, pdf)
These guidelines provide new and existing members of public entities, including CHCs, with an overview of their roles and governance responsibilities.
Good practice guide on governance for Victorian public sector entities (State Services Authority 2006)
This guide was developed to assist potential, new and existing Board members of public entities to understand concepts of good governance and the critical policies and procedures. Please note that the governance arrangements for registered Community Health Centres are not covered by this document.
Ourcommunity
Provides an array of tools for Board members including resource sheets and policy and procedure templates.
Australian Centre for Healthcare Governance (ACHG): Established by the Victorian Heathcare Association (VHA), this centre provides the healthcare sector with knowledge of the process of healthcare governance, guidance and support to ensure that healthcare organisations can meet their significant governance responsibilities, opportunities for individual and groups to participate in governance forums and networks.
2005 Governance development program for the Boards of Community Health and Women’s Health Services, the workshops, conducted by Kathy Wilson Consulting during 2005, contained eight modules which are described in the resource kit.
Further information
Contact information for further queries.
