Accountability & Governance

Agape Global is committed to upholding best practices in corporate governance for non-profits. Although we are not a publicly listed company, we have incorporated key governance principles from the ACNC, the Associations Incorporation Act 2009, and the Associations Incorporation Regulation 2022. These guidelines shape and strengthen our policies, ensuring continuous improvement and accountability.

Agape Global Inc is a registered charity with the Australian Charities & Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and has Deductible Gift Recipient and Income Tax Exempt Charity status with the Australian Taxation Office and in 2025 was approved as a Public Benevolent Institution. Where relevant, it holds charitable collections licenses in each Australian state & territory. 

Principles
The Association strives to adhere to the following foundational principles in all its actions and decisions, guided by the values of compassion, integrity, transparency, and accountability:
(a) Respect for life: Upholding and protecting the sanctity of life at all stages, ensuring that every person has the opportunity to live with safety, health, and well-being.
(b) Respect for human dignity: Recognizing the inherent worth and value of every individual, regardless of their background, abilities, or circumstances, and treating them with fairness, kindness, and respect in all aspects of life.
(c) Respect for the poor and vulnerable: Prioritizing and addressing the needs of those who are marginalized, disadvantaged, or struggling, ensuring they have access to resources, opportunities, and support to improve their quality of life.
(d) Promotion of solidarity: Fostering a sense of unity, mutual support and collaboration among individuals and communities, often to address shared challenges & responsibility for the well-being of all.
(e) Advocacy for social justice and equality: Advocating for fairness, equality, and the protection of fundamental rights, ensuring that societal structures and systems treat all individuals with equity and dignity.
(f) Advancement to the common good: Working towards the betterment of society as a whole, where the well-being of each person is interconnected with the well-being of others, promoting inclusivity, shared responsibility, and sustainable development for all.

The association operates under a formal Constitution, which was adopted by its Special General Meeting on 16 January 2025. The Constitution establishes a voluntary and independent executive committee of members, responsible for overseeing the association’s overall management. It outlines the Committee’s powers, responsibilities, and the processes for the election and re-election of Committee Members by the Members.

In addition, we are committed to adopting good governance practices by following the principles outlined in the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ publication, Good Governance Principles and Guidance for NFP Organisations. This resource provides valuable guidance on achieving high standards of governance and accountability, ensuring ethical and transparent operations within our organization.

As a registered charity, Agape Global complies with the ACNC Governance Standards, which mandate lawful, accountable, and responsible operations. For its international activities, the organisation also meets the ACNC External Conduct Standards, taking all reasonable measures to uphold appropriate governance and code of conduct standards when engaging in activities or distributing funds outside of Australia.

The committee manages the Association’s affairs, performs its functions (except those reserved for general meetings), and takes necessary actions for effective management. It has the power to act as needed for proper administration.

a. Composition of Committee

The committee consists of four members elected, including the Director, Secretary, Treasurer, and Public Officer. One member can hold two roles, but cannot serve as both Director and Secretary at the same time.

b. Election of Committee Members

Association members can be nominated for office-bearer or committee positions by submitting a written nomination signed by two members (excluding the candidate) and the candidate’s consent at least 7 days before the AGM. If there are insufficient nominations, the nominated candidates are elected, and further nominations are called at the meeting. Remaining vacancies are treated as casual vacancies. If nominations equal vacancies, candidates are elected automatically. If nominations exceed vacancies, a ballot is held during the meeting as directed by the committee.

c.    Induction 

New Committee Members undergo an induction process and are provided with a package of background information to ensure they can participate actively and positively in Board meetings immediately following their appointment. 

d. Term of Office

Committee members serve 5-year terms and can be re-elected with no limit on consecutive terms. Resignations must be submitted in writing to the Secretary and take effect on the specified date or upon receipt if no date is provided.

e. Vacancies in Office

A casual vacancy on the committee occurs if a member resigns, is removed, becomes ineligible (e.g., insolvency, mental incapacity, or certain convictions), or misses three consecutive meetings without approval. The Association can remove and replace committee members by resolution, and the affected member can submit a statement to be shared with members before the meeting. The committee can fill casual vacancies (except those from removals), and appointees serve until the next annual general meeting.

f. Independent Advice

Committee Members may request, through the Director, access to independent legal, financial, remuneration, or other professional advice or assistance at Agape Global’s reasonable expense. Such approval will generally be granted by the Director unless doing so would create a conflict of interest or contradict the duties of the Committee Members.

g. Subcommittees – Delegation of Duties

To support the fulfillment of its responsibilities, the Board of Agape Global has established several committees that meet to focus on specific areas of the organization’s operations.

The subcommittees are outlined below, with their detailed responsibilities and composition specified in their Terms of Reference.

1. Governance, Remuneration, and Ethics Committee: Oversees committee composition, nominations, CEO and board performance, as well as ethical considerations, cultural matters, and organizational values.
2. Audit and Risk Committee: Focuses on financial performance and reporting, audit processes, risk management, and corporate governance.
3. Programs Committee: Guides strategies, policies, and practices for Australian and international programs, while identifying and managing risks.

h. Committee meetings

The committee member must meet at least three (3) times a year, with additional meetings allowed when requested by any member. Subcommittees determine their own meeting procedures.

i. Notice of committee meeting

Committee members must receive at least 48 hours’ notice of meetings, unless unanimously agreed otherwise. The notice should outline the business to be discussed. Only the specified business or unanimously agreed urgent matters can be addressed during the meeting.

j. Quorum

A committee meeting requires a quorum of three (3) members to conduct business. If a quorum is not present within 30 minutes, the meeting is adjourned to the same time and place the following week. If a quorum is still not met at the adjourned meeting, the meeting is dissolved. If there are insufficient members to form a quorum, the committee may appoint association members as temporary committee members until the next annual general meeting.

k. Presiding committee member

The committee meeting is presided over by the Director, or if absent, the Secretary, or an elected member if both are absent. The presiding member has a deliberative vote and a casting vote in case of a tie.

l. Voting

A decision supported by a majority of the votes cast at a meeting of the committee or a subcommittee at which a quorum is present is the decision of the committee or subcommittee.

The committee can conduct business through circulated papers, including electronically, with written resolutions approved by a majority considered official decisions. Meetings can also include members participating via phone or electronic means, as long as discussions are audible to all. Voting rights remain the same as in regular meetings, and resolutions made this way must be recorded in the minutes.

m. Acts valid despite vacancies or defects

The committee may act despite there being a casual vacancy in the office of a committee member.

An act done by a committee or subcommittee is not invalidated because of a defect relating to the qualifications or appointment of a member of the committee or subcommittee.

n. Transaction of business outside meetings or by telephone or other means

The committee can conduct business through circulated papers, including electronically, with written resolutions approved by a majority considered official decisions. Meetings can also include members participating via phone or electronic means, as long as discussions are audible to all. Voting rights remain the same as in regular meetings, and resolutions made this way must be recorded in the minutes.

The Executive Committee has implemented comprehensive protocols for risk identification, management, and corporate compliance, which are integrated into the Policies and Procedures Manual.

Written reports on risk management and corporate compliance are submitted to every meeting of the Audit and Risk Committee and the Board. These reports form the foundation for the Board’s oversight and governance responsibilities in these critical areas.

The Audit and Risk Committee, along with the Board, reviews comprehensive budget and financial performance reports during each of their meetings. The Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer formally attest to the accuracy and completeness of the financial information provided.

In collaboration with the external auditor, the Audit and Risk Committee evaluates the annual audit plan, the audit outcomes, the auditor’s report, and the management’s responses to any identified issues. The Committee is tasked with recommending to the Board the approval of the audited financial statements and the Executive Committees’ Report for circulation to Members.

The external auditor maintains direct access to the Audit and Risk Committee and is entitled to attend its meetings, doing so as deemed appropriate.

Agape Global maintains a detailed and informative website at www.agapeglobalcommunity.com, which provides comprehensive information about its activities, including fundraising appeals and events, within the scope of available resources. Additionally, the website offers extensive insights into its programs and initiatives worldwide.

Agape Global also implements a regular communication program for donors, supporters, and partners, ensuring they are kept informed about both local activities and global efforts.

Our charitable purposes outlined in our Constitution are to advance the well-being of individuals in need by, without limitation:

(1) Providing for the relief of poverty, homelessness, financial hardship, sickness, disability, distress, or other helplessness caused by wars or natural disasters in Australia and overseas. Our mission is to provide practical aid to those in need, addressing the impact of these challenges with compassion and purpose.

(2) Raising funds and supporting initiatives that align with and promote these charitable purposes, ensuring effective governance and accountability in both Australian and international activities.

(3) Developing partnerships with local, national, and international stakeholders to enhance the delivery of aid and resources to individuals and communities in need.

(4) Empowering workers, volunteers, and organizations—including religious and community groups—to provide compassionate, direct support to vulnerable individuals and disadvantaged communities. These efforts address critical challenges such as poverty, homelessness, illness, disability, and other hardships, with a commitment to integrity and care.

Agape Global’s Code of Conduct underscores our commitment to integrity, accountability, collaboration, trust, and innovation in all that we do. It applies to every employee, board member, and volunteer, ensuring we uphold the highest standards of behavior while advancing the well-being of communities in need. Our core principles include:

1. Integrity and Respect for Life: Upholding the sanctity of life at all stages with honesty and transparency, ensuring safety, health, and well-being for all individuals.

2. Respect for Human Dignity and Collaboration: Treating every individual with fairness, kindness, and respect, while fostering teamwork and partnerships to recognize and amplify the inherent value of all people, regardless of background or circumstances.

3. Accountability to the Poor and Vulnerable: Prioritizing the needs of marginalized and disadvantaged individuals by ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities that improve their quality of life.

4. Promotion of Solidarity and Trust: Building unity, mutual support, and trust within and across communities to address shared challenges and create lasting, impactful solutions.

5. Advocacy for Social Justice and Innovation: Driving meaningful change by championing fairness, equality, and the protection of fundamental rights, while embracing innovative approaches to create a more just and inclusive society.

6. Advancement of the Common Good with Accountability: Committing to the betterment of society by promoting inclusivity, shared responsibility, and sustainable development that benefits everyone, while holding ourselves accountable to our mission and the communities we serve.