Statutory Board Operations
Generating PDF
Policy framework statement
The Statutory Boards Operations Policy Framework specifies the governance and operations of statutory health boards that all board governed Health Service Providers (HSPs) must comply with in order to ensure effective and consistent board operations across the WA health system.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy framework is to ensure:
- statutory boards are provided with information regarding System Manager expectations and minimum standards for board governed HSPs
- clarify the functions, roles, responsibilities and accountabilities for health service boards.
Applicability
This policy framework is binding on each board governed HSP to which it applies or relates.
Principles
The key principles1 that underpin this policy framework are:
Accountability
Implementing good practices in transparency, reporting, and audit, to deliver effective accountability.
Capability
Developing the capacity of HSPs, including capabilities of its leadership and the individuals within it.
Ethical values
Behaving with integrity, respecting the rule of law, acting impartially and in the public interest.
Outcomes
Defining and determining actions necessary to optimise achievement of intended outcomes for consumers and to support the delivery of quality, safe health care through strategic governance and planning activities.
Relationship management
Ensuring openness and comprehensive engagement with stakeholders, both internal and external to the WA health system.
Risk management
Managing risks and performance through robust internal control and strong public financial management.
Legislative context
This policy framework is made pursuant to ss 26(2)(d)(l) of the Health Services Act 2016.
The Health Services Act 2016 refers to policy frameworks in ss. 26-27 and s. 34(2)(c). Other relevant parts in the Act that relate specifically to this policy framework include Part 8.
Other legislation applicable to this policy framework: Key State Legislation Which May Impact WA Health Service Boards
Mandatory requirements
Under this policy framework HSPs must comply with all mandatory requirements* including:
Policy framework custodian
Assistant Director General
Strategy and Governance
Enquiries relating to this Policy Framework may be directed to: boardassurance.DOH@health.wa.gov.au
Review
Show allHide review details
This policy framework will be reviewed as required to ensure relevance and recency. At a minimum this policy framework will be reviewed within two years after first issue and at least every three years thereafter.
| Version |
Effective from |
Effective to |
Amendment(s) |
| 12 |
22 August 2022 |
Current |
Minor amendment to Statutory Board Operations Policy Framework - updated Key state legislation which may impact WA health service provider boards document under the Legislative context section. |
| 11 |
23 December 2021
|
22 August 2022 |
Amendments to MP 0107/19 Health Service Provider Board Governance Policy.
- Definitions amended to correct the reference to he governance structure of the Quadriplegic Centre and non-material changes to ensure consistency of references to legislation and the HSP Governance Guide.
- Policy contact amended.
- Related Document - Board Member Mobile Devices User Agreement Template updated to reflect the current ICT Policy Framework and HSP Board governance structures.
- Supporting Information - Health Service Provider Boards Governance Guide updated to reflect current requirements and processes.
|
| 10 |
1 July 2020
|
23 December 2021
|
Minor amendment to Statutory Board Operations Policy Framework to
- amend applicability
- remove Strategic Plan for Safety and Quality in Health Care and Board Connect Web Portal and associated documents from Supporting information
- update hyperlink to Gifts, benefits and hospitality and Taking action on integrity issues – a guide for public officers under Supporting information
- update Policy Framework custodian details
- amend Health Service Provider/Boards definition under Glossary of terms.
Minor Amendment to MP 0107/19 Health Service Provider Board Governance Policy to Section 1 Purpose to update list of current board governed Health Service Providers.
|
| 9 |
14 May 2019
|
1 July 2020
|
MP 0107/19 Health Service Provider Board Governance Policy superseding MP 0035/16 v4.1 Health Service Provider Boards - Governance Policy. Following comprehensive review and subsequent to correspondence issued to each Health Service Provider Board, this new policy ensures strengthened consistency both with the Statutory Board Operations Policy Framework and the Health Services Act 2016. The Health Service Provider Board Governance Guide has also been developed and contains additional information to support Board procedures, processes and governance requirements.
|
| 8 |
22 November 2018
|
14 May 2019
|
MP 0035/16 Health Service Provider Boards - Governance Policy Reinstated.
|
| 7 |
12 November 2018
|
22 November 2018
|
Rescindment of MP 0035/16 Health Service Provider Boards - Governance Policy.
|
| 6 |
10 January 2018
|
12 November 2018
|
Removed WA Clinical Services Framework 2014-2024, WA Health Funding and Policy Guidelines 2015-16, WA Health Strategic Asset Plan, Guide to Procurement and Contract Management for WA Health, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Strategy, and WA Health Financial Management Manual links from Supporting Information.
|
| 5 |
6 December 2017
|
10 January 2018
|
Major Amendment to MP 0035/16 Health Service Provider Boards - Governance Policy.
|
| 4 |
6 September 2017
|
6 December 2017
|
Major Amendment to MP 0035/16 Health Service Provider Boards - Governance Policy.
|
| 3 |
19 January 2017
|
6 September 2017
|
Major Amendment to MP 0035/16 Health Service Provider Boards - Governance Policy.
|
| 2 |
30 November 2016
|
19 January 2017
|
Removed WA Health Operational Plan link from Supporting Information.
|
| 1 |
1 July 2016 |
30 November 2016 |
Original version |
System Manager assurance and board evaluation will occur annually as prescribed in the Statutory Board Governance Policy and the Local Board Governance Manual. Both the System Manager and HSPs will contribute to the review using the following resources as a minimum standard:
- System Manager Board Assurance Framework
- Board Evaluation Framework
Approval
This policy framework has been approved and issued by the Director General of the Department of Health as the System Manager.
| Approval by | Dr D J Russell-Weisz, Director General, Department of Health |
|---|
| Approval date | 01 July 2016 |
|---|
| Date published | 22 November 2018 |
|---|
| File number | F-AA-40363 |
|---|
Compliance
This policy framework is binding on those to whom it applies or relates. Implementation at a local level will be subject to audit.
Glossary of terms
| Term |
Meaning |
| Applicability |
Under Section 26 of the Health Services Act 2016, policy frameworks may apply to:
- All Health Service Providers
- A type of public health service facility
- A type of public health service
- A type of staff member of a health service provider.
|
| Board governed provider |
A health service provider specified by order of the Minister to be a board governed provider. |
| Health Service Provider/Boards |
Means a Health Service Provider established by an order made under section 32(1)(b) of the Health Services Act 2016. Pursuant to section 70 of the Health Services Act 2016, a health service provider may be governed by a board or a chief executive. |
| Local Board Governance Manual |
Health Service Provider owned board governance document that specifies detailed information and direction regarding local expectations and minimum standards for governance and operations of statutory health boards (or “health service providers”) established under the new health legislation. |
| Statutory Board Governance Policy |
System Manager policy that specifies detailed information and direction regarding system manager expectations and minimum standards for governance and operations of statutory health boards (or health service providers) established under the new health legislation. |
| System Manager Board Assurance Framework |
This framework will enable the System Manager to oversee and monitor the maintenance of minimum standards of board governance across the WA health system. |
| WA health system |
Pursuant to section 19(1) of the Health Services Act 2016, means the Department of Health, Health Service Providers and to the extent that Contracted Health Entities provide health services to the State, the Contracted Health Entities. |
1Adapted from the “The International Framework: Good Governance in the Public Sector” pages 10-11, developed by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy and the International Federation of Accountants. The Framework is available to view at: http://www.cipfa.org/policy-and-guidance/standards/international-framework-good-governance-in-the-public-sector.