“Effective governance begins with accountability, transparency and service to the public good.”
The National Healthcare Enhancement Foundation (NHEF) believes that effective governance is founded on integrity, transparency, accountability and service to the public interest. These principles guide our culture, decision-making and operations as we work to strengthen Jamaica’s public health sector through strategic partnerships and philanthropic giving.
As an agency of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, NHEF is committed to ensuring that donor contributions are managed responsibly and directed toward initiatives that deliver meaningful and measurable impact. Through sound governance practices and prudent stewardship of resources, we strive to maintain the confidence of our stakeholders while advancing national health priorities.
OUR GOVERNANCE COMMITMENT
✓ Purpose & Strategy
✓ Operational Excellence
✓ Reporting & Accountability
The National Healthcare Enhancement Foundation (NHEF) is governed by a Board of Management that provides strategic oversight, policy direction and leadership for the organization. The Board operates in accordance with its Articles of Association, the Charities Act 2013, and the Corporate Governance Framework for Public Bodies.
Comprised of ten (10) members appointed by the Minister responsible for Health and Wellness, the Board ensures accountability, transparency and effective governance in support of the Foundation’s mission.
The National Healthcare Enhancement Foundation’s Corporate Governance Policy is a guide to ensure that the Board complies with good corporate governance principles and best practices to effectively achieve the foundation’s mandate and to ensure that the entity’s obligations to all its stakeholders are met. It outlines the corporate governance policies and principles adopted by the foundation and is aimed at ensuring the independence and transparency of the Board and its ability to supervise management’s operations in an effective and efficient way.
The Chairman is principally responsible for the effective operation and chairing of the Board of directors and for ensuring that the information received by the Board is sufficient to make informed decisions. He acts as a direct liaison between the board and management through the Executive Director. He also provides support to the Executive Director, particularly in relation to external affairs. The Corporate Secretary is responsible for ensuring that Board processes and procedures are appropriately followed and support effective decision-making and governance. The Corporate Secretary is appointed by and can only be removed by the Board.
Each Board member is expected to commit sufficient time for preparing and attending meetings of the Board and its committees. Regular attendance at Board meetings is also a prerequisite. In-depth knowledge of the particulars of the NHEF’s business operations model is vital for each board member in making informed and objective decisions. Management has responsibility for operational activities and Board members have responsibility for the general oversight of the Fund. The Directors have complete access to the Executive Director; the Corporate Secretary and any other member of management deem necessary.
The Chairman is principally responsible for the effective operation and chairing of the Board and for ensuring that the information that it receives is sufficient to make informed decisions. He acts as a direct liaison between the board and management through the Executive Director. He also provides support to the Executive Director, particularly in relation to external affairs.
The Corporate Secretary is responsible for ensuring that Board processes and procedures are appropriately followed and support effective decision-making and governance. The Corporate Secretary is appointed by, and can only be removed by the Board.
Each Board member is expected to commit sufficient time for preparing and attending meetings of the Board, its Committees. Regular attendance at Board meetings is a prerequisite. In-depth knowledge of the particulars of the NHEF’s business is vital for each board member in making informed and objective decisions. Management has responsibility for operational activities and Board members have responsibility for the general oversight of the Fund. The Directors have complete access to the Executive Director, the Corporate Secretary and any other member of management deem necessary.
As a government organisation that utilises taxpayer funds, the NHEF is subject to certain laws. These include:
The Fund is also required to submit several reports to various government ministries, departments and agencies. These include:
Basic Guidelines
The following are the basic guidelines that should be followed in carrying out the general operations of the NHEF:
You may communicate with the members of the Board by writing to: Mr. Damion Brown Board Chairman c/o National Healthcare Enhancement Foundation Limited 72B Hope Road Kingston 6 Communications may be distributed to all members of the Board or to any individual member of the Board, as appropriate, depending on the facts and circumstances. In that regard, the Board of Management advises that items that are unrelated to the duties and responsibilities of the Board should be excluded and will not be responded to. Such items include, but are not limited to:
In addition, material that is unduly hostile, threatening, illegal, or otherwise unsuitable will be excluded; however, any communication that is excluded will be made available to any independent, non-employee director upon request.
